Case study
Salman Wahid
SWK313Module5Week10_FamilyTherapy_PowerPoint2019.pptx
Systems Theories
Module 5
Week 10
SWK313: Engaging Individuals and Families In Partnership
Broadens thinking beyond the individual person to see them in context – micro, meso, macro
General Systems Theory, Ecological Systems Perspective, Person in Environment Model, Life Course Model
Relationships, interaction, adaptation
Systems Theory Recap (Week 9)
Systems can be simple or complex, intrapersonal, interpersonal or environmental
Some examples:
Biophysical, cognitive, affective, behavioural functioning
Physical environment
Kinship
Social support networks
Peer groups
Neighbourhoods
Society
Cultural
Which systems are most important to the client?
Some types of systems…
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Family unit has long been a focus for intervention and support in human services
Family understood as a social system that interacts with and is influenced by other systems
Incorporates family dynamics, interrelationships and interactions in assessment and interventions
Different strands/variations of family therapy
Different perspectives and approaches can inform family therapy (e.g. post-modernist, narrative, structural)
Family Therapy
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How do we define ‘family’
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“In view of the diverse family forms that exist, how families themselves define their members is best articulated by the family”
“…the focus of practice, is the extent to which the family has the capacity to perform the essential functions that contribute to the development and well-being of its members”
(Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney & Strom-Gottfried 2013 p.252)
Definition of family
“…families share both a history, memories, success and failure, aspirations and a future as they experience the lifecycle together”
(Hepworth et al. 2013 p.252)
Mutual care
Basic informal welfare system
Education, health & wellbeing
Attachment, development
Socialization, social identity, role learning
Family functions
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“Does our practice involve families to the fullest extent possible in defining the problems and creating solutions, or does it replace a family function in a situation where with help, the family itself could meet the needs of its members?”
(Hartman 1981 in Hepworth et al. 2013 p.255)
Collaborative practice with families
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Family Systems
All parts of the family are engaged in ‘transactions’ or interactions with each other
Whatever affects one part of the system will affect the whole family
Interrelationships between family members create the ‘whole’
The ‘whole’ also consists of subsystems and boundaries can be internal as as well as external
Family as a System
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Anything that provokes change within the family system leading to a state of family disequilibrium
Sources of stress can be internal or external, or an interplay between the two
Assess whether stressors pose a risk to family functioning
Families cope and adapt to stressors depending on their resources, resilience, strengths, social supports…
Stressors
Normative
Non-normative
Extraordinary life transitions & separations
Types of stressors
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All families have patterns of relating, decision making, rules, scripts, roles
Interactions may be considered from an intergenerational or transgenerational perspective
Past reactions and ways of coping as a family provide a foundation for understanding current issues or presenting problems
Patterns of interaction
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Interactions are governed by implicit and explicit rules
Family rules govern patterns of behaviour, relationships, communication
Rules can be shaped by context, including cultural norms and social expectations
Rules specify roles, power structures and communication styles (dynamic processes of the system)
Rules can differ between families and can change over time (e.g. young children vs teens vs adults)
Family rules & cultures
Changes can disrupt established family rules about behaviour and roles
The family system seeks to maintain stability and equilibrium (homeostasis)
Maintaining equilibrium requires cohesion within the system – without agreement factions emerge
Different types of rules
Some rules can perpetuate and reinforce problematic behaviours
Family rules & culture
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What rules operate in your family?
Respect your elders
Bring honour to your family
Children should be seen and not heard
Keep the peace at all costs
You are still loved even if you make a mistake
Talking about emotions should be avoided
Expressing how you feel is important
Everyone’s ideas are valued
The father is the head of the family
Family matters are kept private…
Examples:
New behaviours are introduced to the system
The system attempts to achieve equilibrium
Feedback provided to modify and regulate the behaviour
The behaviour and responses of family members are powerful - now and in the future
Sometimes family system responses allow for flexibility and new rules can be developed – adaptation and changed when needed – balance is achieved again
Changes to the system
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Distribution of power within a family can be shaped by external structural arrangements
Internal power structures refer to the relative influence each member has on others within the system
Power is a socially constructed dynamic that varies according to a number of factors – power is not always a single, monolithic structure
Power may be reflected in decision making processes, communication patterns, rules, overt and covert behaviours…
Family Power Structures
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Context is important – what is ‘normal’ for a particular family system?
Avoid generalisations, stereotypes and labelling
Critical reflection – what part do our own experiences, beliefs, values etc. play in assessment?
Is there a relationship between family problems and external oppressive forces
Assessment & Family Therapy
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Different family members may have different levels of motivation for engaging
Safety concerns need to be identified and addressed – family interventions need to be considered carefully and may not be appropriate in all cases
Initial sessions build rapport and explore the viewpoints of different family members – core micro-skills are needed to support engagement
Principles for practice
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Elliott, Mulroney, & O’Neil (2000) suggest that the key elements to working with families are:
1) starting where the family is at
2) developing successful relationships
3) setting goals
4) helping in practical ways
5) building networks
6) building on strengths
Principles for practice
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1. Establish relationships with individuals & family as a group
2. Clarify expectations, reservations, concerns about the process of therapy
3. Clarify roles
4. Clarify choices for participation
5. Explore the family’s perception of the problems & different perspectives
6. Identify needs and and wants of family members – find common ground
7. Define the problem as a family problem –avoid blame of individuals
8. Emphasize individual & family strengths
9. Ask questions to identity patterns of behaviour and family structures
10. Identify counterproductive communication patterns
11. Begin to help members to relate to one another in more positive ways
12. Establish individual and family goals
13. Gauge interest in continuing, and negotiate a contract
14. Negotiate tasks to be completed before next contact
15. End with a summary of key issues, goals, tasks & progress
(from Hepworth et al. 2013 pp. 475-482)
Framework for initial family session
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Range of family therapy interventions available
Use strengths, solution-focused, narrative approaches
Specific interventions might include:
Communication skill development
Identify, re-negotiate or modify family rules
Developing conflict resolution skills
Use of contracts and family agreements
Modify distorted cognitions, challenge myths and misconceptions
Family sculpting
Interventions
Hepworth, D., Rooney, R., Rooney, G., Strom-Gottfried, K. (2013) Direct social work practice: Theory and skills. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
http :// www.strongbonds.jss.org.au (see Week 9 extension Learning Materials for link to this website)
Other web resources include:
http ://www.aft.org.uk/consider/view/faqs.html#faqs2194?tzcheck= 1
http ://www.psychology.org.au/publications/inpsych/2011/feb/shaw /
https://www.psychology.org.au/inpsych/step_families /
https://aifs.gov.au/publications/family-matters/issue-88/what-works- adolescents
References
