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1ThreadResponse-ContemporaryTheoryPresentation.pptx
Contemporary Counseling Theory Assignment
Regina Williams
Liberty University
EDCO 715: Applied Counseling Theory
Central Constructs
Family Systems Theory- is the idea that the feelings and actions of individuals impact the culture and construct of family dynamics.
Created by Murray Bowen: Psychiatrist in the 1950’s
“Argued that human behavior is regulated by the same natural processes of all living things”- Petree College of Arts & Sciences, Oklahoma City University
8 interlocking concepts
Differentiation of Self
Triangles
Nuclear Family Emotional Process
Family Projection Process
Multigenerational Transmission Process
Emotional Cut-Off
Sibling Positions
Emotional Process in Society
What is the Family Systems theory?
Family Systems theory includes 8 interlocking concepts that impact the functionality of the family system. Counselors who use this theory as a basis for therapy work towards identifying and unlayering the above concepts to better understand the make up of the family as a unit.
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A Deeper Look!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GK7LaT5rxY
What causes dysfunction in the theory’s view?
Understanding the everchanging state of each member of the family.
Deciphering how the emotions, and feelings of individuals impact the interaction and interconnectedness within the family dynamic of each member.
Complex interconnectedness of family members to each other and to selves. (Emotional unit)
| Key Concept | Description |
| Multigenerational Patterns | Behaviors and reactions passed down through generations |
| Family Rules | Unspoken guidelines that govern family interactions |
| Emotional Triangles | Three-person relationship systems within families |
https://esoftskills.ie/family-systems-theory/
Dysfunction: The interdependence concept of family in an individualist society
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What is the nature of therapy for this model?
Psychotherapy- Family works individually and together to resolve the problem and conflict.
Members get to express their views, thoughts and perspectives and to discover how it impacts them in relation to the family.
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Role of Assessment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d_6S0jkQ74&t=3s
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Assessments are critical in providing insights into family dynamics and helping counselors to create interventions.
Examples:
Needs Assessments- Family
Mandating reporting requires a level of assessment and is required for counselors.
DSM-5 (Problem diagnosis)
ICD-10 (family functioning)
Counselor Roles
Role of the client and the counselor ▪ Counselors play a direct, indirect and interactive role in the process of therapy depending on the approach and technique used (Tan, 2022).
Tan states that the counselor should be somewhat of an expert in assessing and treating dysfunction (2022).
The Counselor should be warm, and caring (Tan, 2022)
https://arkansasrelationshipcenter.com/10-things-to-expect-from-family-counseling/
▪ What personal qualities in the client will help the client take a role that will help the therapy be successful?
Empathy, flexibility, compassion
For solution focused techniques, the family will be viewed as the expert, and the counselor's role is to empower the family to create their own ways to deal with issues (Tan, 2022).
https://www.psychology.org/careers/family-counselor/
Role of the client and the counselor ▪ (Is the counselor directive/non-directive? Educational? Active or Passive?) ▪ What personal qualities in the client will help the client take a role that will help the therapy be successful?
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Goals of therapy
Overall goal is to build stronger families and communities by supporting family’s process to construct healthy family dynamics.
The specific goals will vary based on the needs of each specific family along with the specific approach utilized (Tan, 2022).
Goals of therapy: reconciliation, conflict resolution
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Therapy Options & Techniques
According to Tan, specific techniques used within these therapy options include boundary setting, Genogram, family sculpting, enactment and restructuring (2022)
Each of the therapy techniques involve family engagement both on an individual and collective level. Members will only get out of the session what they put in. Therapist can utilize different activities to promote healthy family engagement.
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CBT(families)- Albert Ellis
Study behaviors and evaluate how behaviors impact the family system.
Ex. Cognitive restructuring (Tan, 2022)
Structural therapy- Salvador Minuchin
Focuses on reconstructing family dynamics by focusing on conflict resolution and effective communication.
Ex. Enactment, Family sculpting (Tan, 2022)
Strategy Therapy- Jay Haley & Cole Madanes
Looks at specific problems in the family and working as a unit to create problem solving techniques.
Ex. Boundary setting (Tan, 2022)
Family System Therapy at Work Case Study 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1B-2fTiPCU
Family Systems Therapy at Work Case Study 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBI2q2Vkp_M
Critique of the theory
Strengths
Focuses on broad systems perspectives vs. individualistic emphasis (Tan, 2022).
There are effective therapy techniques empirically supported for family therapy (Tan, 2022).
Sessions are typically short-term vs. long term care (Tan, 2022).
Embraces and considers the role of subsystems such as culture, race, gender and values (Tan, 2022).
Weaknesses
The focus on family as a unit can lead to a loss of appreciation for individualism (Tan, 2022).
The flexibility in techniques can cause more troubled families to need for direct, concrete support (tan, 2022).
Not all problems, are a systems problem, and the use of systems theory can be misapplied (Tan, 2022).
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Biblical Integration
Family Systems Theory is compatible to a Christians worldview, and addresses faith and cultural dimensions.
Theory’s focus on the system unit is aligned with 1st Corinthians 12:12 stating that there is one body with many parts, and each part has its own function (King James Bible, 2022).
Each person in the family plays a part in the functioning and or dysfunction of the family system. When one part of the body is not aligned, the remainder of the body suffers.
Further Research is needed in solidifying empirical research that support specific therapy techniques; however, research supports the effectiveness of family therapy (Tan, 2022).
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Another scripture that confirms the alignment of this theory can be found in Acts 2, where the text describes the day of Pentecost, and how when the body was in one accord the holy spirit fell on all men (King James Bible, 2022). In Family therapy, all members must be on the system or at least open to receive something new, that will enhance and make them better. When there is unity within the family system, the bond and growth that takes place within sessions is positive. Giving God access to dwell in the midst of the sessions, also encourages families to bond by way of faith to build stronger bonds amongst one another that positively influences the family system.
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Key Take Aways & Resources Revealed! (Start at 8:17)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ZghDksEd4&t=22s
Video Key Points: Resources:
Learning the framework helps us see the dynamics at play within our own families.
Significance in theory is to help us identify patterns and dynamics
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References
Introduction to the eight concepts. The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. (n.d.). https://www.thebowencenter.org/introduction-eight-concepts
Petree College of Arts & Sciences, Oklahoma City University. (2024, June 3). Family Systems Theory in Counseling: Key Techniques. Online Degree Programs | Oklahoma City University Online. https://online.okcu.edu/clinical-mental-health-counseling/blog/understanding-family- systems-theory-applications-in-counseling
Priest, J. B. (2025). The science of family systems theory : foundations for effective clinical practice (Second edition.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003491972
References
Tan, S. (2022). Counseling and Psychotherapy (2nd ed.). Baker Publishing Group. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781493435074
Team, T. G. C. (2024, October 31). Family systems theory: Understanding family dynamics. ESOFT Lifelong Learning. https://esoftskills.ie/family-systems-theory/
