Every client in therapy is unique with their own story and presenting problem. One size does not fit all when it comes to therapy. This is why there are a variety of theoretical models to choose from when assessing how to best help a client. Structural family therapy is a model of therapy created by Salvador Minuchin which provides “a clear framework for understanding and treating families” by looking at a family’s structure and their patterns of interaction (Nichols, 1999, p. 140). The structural perspective will be useful in helping Joy an amiable 18 year old work on her struggles with substance abuse, emotional instability and unhealthy relationships. Several treatment objectives have also been identified for Joy and her family through this
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129). Therefore, “…therapy is directed at altering family structure so that the family can solve its own problems” (Nichols, 2013, p. 129). There are several treatment objectives that Joy and her family will work on accomplishing through changing their family structure. The first treatment objective is to decrease Joy’s suicidal ideation and her emotional instability. This objective involves first making sure that Joy is not at risk of harming herself and is not in need of immediate medical intervention. If there is no immediate need for hospitalization or intervention then this goal will be worked on in the therapy sessions. The second treatment objective is to reduce Joy’s substance abuse. Structural changes in the family dynamics will be used to decrease and eventual stop Joy’s abuse of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. The last treatment objective for Joy and her family is to change the way they interact with each other, especially the interactions between Joy and her …show more content…
The first suggestion is the use of the technique of boundary making. Through the assessment of the family’s structure it is established the boundaries between Joy and her mom are rigid. Rigid boundaries are “…restrictive and permit little contact with outside subsystems resulting in disengagement” (Nichols, 2013, p.125). This disengaged subsystem promotes autonomy but it restrains affect and support. (Nichols, 2013, p.125). This is demonstrated in Joy’s relationship with her mother because she was hurt by her mother’s reaction to her suicidal attempts. She was also upset that her mother did not show her compassion or demonstrate much outward or visible love towards her. Disengagement is a way of evading arguments and the therapist will encourage Joy and her mother to face their differences in order for them to become closer (Nichols, 2013, p. 137). This will help pave the way to setting up a clear boundary between mother and daughter where they are no longer isolated from each other. Once Joy can share with her mother that she feels unloved and betrayed and how their relationship is related to her suicidal attempts and emotional problems then this will hopefully decrease suicidal ideation. Not only that, the relationship with Joy and her mother once the disengagement has been dealt with can be improved and her mother can be more
129). Therefore, “…therapy is directed at altering family structure so that the family can solve its own problems” (Nichols, 2013, p. 129). There are several treatment objectives that Joy and her family will work on accomplishing through changing their family structure. The first treatment objective is to decrease Joy’s suicidal ideation and her emotional instability. This objective involves first making sure that Joy is not at risk of harming herself and is not in need of immediate medical intervention. If there is no immediate need for hospitalization or intervention then this goal will be worked on in the therapy sessions. The second treatment objective is to reduce Joy’s substance abuse. Structural changes in the family dynamics will be used to decrease and eventual stop Joy’s abuse of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. The last treatment objective for Joy and her family is to change the way they interact with each other, especially the interactions between Joy and her …show more content…
The first suggestion is the use of the technique of boundary making. Through the assessment of the family’s structure it is established the boundaries between Joy and her mom are rigid. Rigid boundaries are “…restrictive and permit little contact with outside subsystems resulting in disengagement” (Nichols, 2013, p.125). This disengaged subsystem promotes autonomy but it restrains affect and support. (Nichols, 2013, p.125). This is demonstrated in Joy’s relationship with her mother because she was hurt by her mother’s reaction to her suicidal attempts. She was also upset that her mother did not show her compassion or demonstrate much outward or visible love towards her. Disengagement is a way of evading arguments and the therapist will encourage Joy and her mother to face their differences in order for them to become closer (Nichols, 2013, p. 137). This will help pave the way to setting up a clear boundary between mother and daughter where they are no longer isolated from each other. Once Joy can share with her mother that she feels unloved and betrayed and how their relationship is related to her suicidal attempts and emotional problems then this will hopefully decrease suicidal ideation. Not only that, the relationship with Joy and her mother once the disengagement has been dealt with can be improved and her mother can be more