Family Systems chart
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Seton Hill University *
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515
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Communications
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by JusticeDinosaur4143
SAT515 - Counseling Theory & Practice - Theory Comparison Charts
Name of Theory: Family Systems
Student Name: student
Time period & key people (at least two) associated with this approach: Family systems therapy was developed by psychiatrist Murray Bowen in the 1950s, Jay Haley
View of human nature
& basic assumptions (at least 2) underlying this approach: the family unit as a complex social system in which members interact to influence each other's behavior. Family members interconnect, making it appropriate to view the system rather than as individual elements. Dr. Murray Bowen saw the family as part of the big picture and developed a theory of the family as a living, natural system. He sought consistency with the rest of the life sciences.
Family systems therapy can help identify communication problems, power imbalances, and dysfunctional patterns that affect the well-
being of each family member as well as the functioning of the entire family unit
Key concepts essential
to this theory: (3 or more)
Family systems therapy is based on the premise that individuals cannot be understood or healed in a vacuum because they're part of
a larger context, the emotional unit of their family of origin. With this understanding, family systems therapy helps people resolve any number of issues by working with the family dynamic.
This one system is a complex, deeply connected changing collection of parts, subsystems and family members, where each member has a known purpose or function.
The most common systems in the family systems theory are parental relationships, sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, and the overarching family system, with each system connecting with the other systems, known as systems thinking
Most important goals in this frame:
(3 or more) Usual goals of family therapy are improving the communication, solving family problems, understanding and handling special family situations, and creating a better functioning home environment. In addition, it also involves: Exploring the interactional dynamics of the family and its relationship to psychopathology.
How (if at all) does this theory address issues of systemic oppression? The critique of this theory is that Some system therapists reject the systemic view for various reasons, often related to violence, victimization and power. This critique is based on an outdated narrow and incomplete knowledge of linear systems theory. Family systems only look at traditional family/nuclear family which does
not address systemic oppression. It is recommended that the therapist have cultural sensitivity that includes personal awareness of his or her own culture, showing respect for family traditions, and gather information about family culture. Describe the role of the therapeutic relationship: Encourage clients to discuss their emotions and experiences. Help clients process their reactions and adjust to difficult changes in their life, such as divorce and layoffs. Guide clients through the process of
making decisions about their future.
Key techniques from this model: (name at least 2)
Communication theory plays a significant role in family counseling by analyzing how communication patterns within the family structure impact their problems. Therapists use the approach to identify and transform conflict-causing connection patterns and encourage conflict resolution.
The family projection process: Parents may displace their feelings or anxieties onto their children, who then may displace their own feelings or anxieties onto others.
The multi-generational transmission process: small differences in differentiation between children and parents can lead to large differences among extended family members over time.
Sibling position: Birth order can affect the dynamics between children, siblings, and parents.
Strengths and contributions of the approach: Family Systems Therapy can teach healthy communication skills, such as active listening and expressing emotions constructively. Promoting Empathy and Understanding. Family systems theory is important as it studies human behavior in a family context.
How does this theory address the wellness philosophy of the Counseling profession?
Family systems doesn’t necessarily address personal choice or advocate for personal choice. However, it can increase a healthy lifestyle within one’s environment. Their environment being their family system. By improving communication and social skills within the family, the environment that someone is in will in turn improve. Discuss an Expressive Arts process that ‘fits’ this theory & why:
My needs, your needs, our needs activity helps improve communication and listening skills in a family that will not listen to each other. Essentially it is a large Venn-diagram using transparency film and wet-erase marker, a cardboard box and a light source. Label
needs, too much, wants, missing and have the family fill theirs out and see where there is overlap and no overlaps. Process the responses.
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