Structural Family Systems
Structural Family Therapy
Vivian Butler
Liberty University
Abstract
Structural Family Therapy was founded by Minuchin whose desire was to help put structure back into a dysfunctional family. This theory focuses on the whole family as a unit. Minuchin discovered that families are organized into subsystems with boundaries. A dysfunctional family structure will show to be enmeshed, disengaged, and have confused boundary issues. This theory is designed with goals and techniques that will help the family be put back on track to become a functional family once again. In this research paper, the reader will understand how to restructure a family through; setting subsystems and making new boundaries using the different techniques in this theory.
Part I. Research Minuchin founded the Structural Family model and this model is to help a therapist be able to put structure back into a dysfunctional family. This structure is placed back into the family by properly placing the family in their respected subsystems, by setting boundaries, and using different techniques to help the family become a functional successful family once again. What signs and symptoms does a family need to show to prove it is dysfunctional? Salvador Minuchin may have come across the answers to this question when he created the structural family theory. Minuchin seen the need to create a “more effective model for teens and their families because he believed what they were doing was not working and offered suggestions as how to help struggling families” (Minuchin S. , Salvador Minuchin on Family Therapy). “Minuchin’s original family structure can be traced to the early 1960s when he as conducting therapy, training, and research with delinquesnt boys from poor families at the Wiltyck School in New York” (Corey, 2009, p. 416). He and a few of his “colleagues from Wiltwyck School continued their study at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center in
Vivian Butler
Liberty University
Abstract
Structural Family Therapy was founded by Minuchin whose desire was to help put structure back into a dysfunctional family. This theory focuses on the whole family as a unit. Minuchin discovered that families are organized into subsystems with boundaries. A dysfunctional family structure will show to be enmeshed, disengaged, and have confused boundary issues. This theory is designed with goals and techniques that will help the family be put back on track to become a functional family once again. In this research paper, the reader will understand how to restructure a family through; setting subsystems and making new boundaries using the different techniques in this theory.
Part I. Research Minuchin founded the Structural Family model and this model is to help a therapist be able to put structure back into a dysfunctional family. This structure is placed back into the family by properly placing the family in their respected subsystems, by setting boundaries, and using different techniques to help the family become a functional successful family once again. What signs and symptoms does a family need to show to prove it is dysfunctional? Salvador Minuchin may have come across the answers to this question when he created the structural family theory. Minuchin seen the need to create a “more effective model for teens and their families because he believed what they were doing was not working and offered suggestions as how to help struggling families” (Minuchin S. , Salvador Minuchin on Family Therapy). “Minuchin’s original family structure can be traced to the early 1960s when he as conducting therapy, training, and research with delinquesnt boys from poor families at the Wiltyck School in New York” (Corey, 2009, p. 416). He and a few of his “colleagues from Wiltwyck School continued their study at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center in