Structural family therapy
The Structural family therapy is a branch of systemic family therapy . Family therapy regards the family as a system consisting of the parents (father and mother) and the children living in the family and the interactions between those involved. Structures (generations, e.g. parents and children) and boundaries (e.g. between generations) are of particular importance in structural family therapy. The main representative of structural family therapy is Salvador Minuchin .
The "identified patient"
Usually the family refers to one of its members as "the problem". Its symptom, however, often has an important and stabilizing function in the family's relationship and is therefore specifically supported and maintained by them. If it were to be omitted, the underlying problem could break out.
Structures and boundaries
As a couple, the parents are an important structural element. Together they have to bring up their children. To do this, they have to agree on the goals and a common approach. Parents and children each form a subsystem in the family system . Clear boundaries must be created and observed between the subsystems. The lines between generations must not be blurred. Limits can be observed directly in the distribution of roles and tasks and in communication. In therapy, they can be changed and shaped through communication and exercises, ie the family is restructured.
target
Structures and boundaries must be observed within the family. If boundaries and hierarchies are not handled clearly, it is important to restore them in therapy.
literature
- Arist von Schlippe and Jochen Schweitzer: Textbook of systemic therapy and advice I. The basic knowledge. Göttingen 2012, pp. 45–47.
- Salvador Minuchin: Family and Family Therapy, Theory and Practice of Structural Family Therapy. 1977, ISBN 3-7841-0148-8 .
- Salvador Minuchin, H. Charles Fishmann: Practice of structural family therapy. 1983, ISBN 3-7841-0243-3 .
- Salvador Minuchin, B. Roseman, L. Baker: Psychosomatic Diseases in the Family. 1995.
- Salvador Minuchin, WJ Lee, GM Simon: Supervision and family therapy skills. 1998.
- Salvador Minuchin, H. Charles Fishman: Family Therapy Techniques . Harvard University Press, 2007, ISBN 978-0-674-29410-3 (English).