topic 6 pro

Family System Theories Comparison Chart (Obj. 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3)

Assessment Traits

Requires Lopeswrite

Assessment Description

The purpose of this assignment is to compare and contrast the core principles of Bowen Family Systems, and Structural and Strategic models. By completing the "Family System Theories Comparison Chart," you will gain a deeper understanding of the foundational concepts, key contributors, and therapeutic applications of each theoretical approach. The goal is to evaluate how these systemic theories inform contemporary counseling practice and contribute to the development of an integrated theoretical perspective.

Complete the "Family System Theories Comparison Chart" attachment.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance. 

This assignment is informed by the following CACREP Standards:

3.E.2. critical thinking and reasoning strategies for clinical judgment in the counseling process

3.E.3. case conceptualization skills using a variety of models and approaches

CNL-500 Topic 6: Family System Theories Comparison Chart

Directions: Choose two family systems theories (Bowenian, structural, strategic, or Satir) and one individual counseling theory studied in this course (any theory studied in Topics 1-5) and compare the three theories.

Part 1: Create a hypothetical family. Develop a scenario that has caused this family to seek counseling. The scenario should be 150-250 words in length. Be sure to include the following in the scenario: 1) Identify the members of the family; 2) The problem/focus of therapy; 3) Family rules which enabled the problem to continue; and 4) rationale for who the identified patient (IP) is.

Family Scenario:

Part 2: Complete the specific fields listed in the chart for each theory chosen. All sections will require a 50-75-word description except for the section where you list the three treatment interventions. Include a minimum of six scholarly resources in addition to the course textbook and in-text citation as appropriate. Include a full APA reference for the resources used below.

	Multi-Person Family Therapy (a session including more than one family member present)	Single Person Family Systems Approach (a session using a family systems theory with only one person present)	Individual Counseling Theory (any theory of your choice from Topics 1-5)
Theory	<Enter First Chosen Theory>	<Enter Second Chosen Theory>	<Enter Third Chosen Theory>
Roles of the Counselor and Client(s) (50-75 words each)
Describe the state of dysfunction How would you describe the problem from each theoretical orientation? (50-75 words each)
Strategies for Change How is change accomplished? (50-75 words each)
List Three Treatment Interventions	Intervention 1: Intervention 2: Intervention 3:	Intervention 1: Intervention 2: Intervention 3:	Intervention 1: Intervention 2: Intervention 3:
Important Ethical Considerations (50-75 words each)
Using clinical judgment, how would this theory help the family in your scenario establish a new homeostasis? (50-75 words each)

References

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© 2026. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.