Family systems are fundamental structures based on social, cultural, economic, and other
factors. Successful cooperation requires people to accommodate the needs and demands of their
kin. Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps families and couples solve problems,
encourage change, and maintain progress. Family Systems Therapy looks at how one family
member’s actions affect the family and how they interact with each other (Corey, 2017). This
form of treatment focuses on the present and the issues that are causing concern which would
involve her immediate family (Corey, 2017). Katie presents with a problem with alcohol and a
codependent relationship with her daughter, Sarah. Katie has mentioned that she relies on her
daughter Sarah for daily help with her younger daughter and that she can tell her anything. Sarah
is named after Katie’s late sister, who is only ten years old. Katie also mentions that her
relationship with her husband, Joe, has been strained, and they argue about money and Katie’s
drinking. Structural family therapy works to bring structural change and establish more
appropriate boundaries which appear to be quite helpful in this case (Corey, 2017).
It would be best to bring in Katie’s husband Joe, daughter Sarah, the younger daughter, and
Katie for an initial visit. I would approach the family with care and concern while establishing a
relationship with each member of the family that is present (Corey, 2017). I would answer any
questions they may have and get to know them individually and as a family (Corey, 2017). Upon
establishing a relationship with all involved, I would begin an assessment and create a genogram
to show a clear chronological map of all involved and their roles (Corey, 2017). Starting with
Katie and Joe as the parental subsystem and working up to their parents and down to their
children. We will continue to analyze how Katie’s actions affect the rest of the family from their
perspective and how we can bring about a change. We will also look at the multiple roles each
individual plays. For instance, Sarah should be playing the role of daughter. There need to be
more concise boundaries that can help alleviate some of the things going on (Corey, 2017).
During the assessment, utilizing a genogram will help to point out what areas of the family
dynamics need to be improved upon I feel that once each member of the family begins to stay
within the boundaries set forth, it will be very helpful for Katie and her other issues that need to
be addressed.
References
Corey, Gerald. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Boston,
MA: Cengage Learning
