The Family Systems Theory

Family Systems Theory Based off of general systems theory, family systems theory views each family as its own system and family members affect the family system as a whole (Lindstrom et al., 2015). “Families have interrelated elements and structures, interact in patterns, have boundaries and use messages and rules to shape their members” (Morgaine, 2001). As well as interacting within themselves, these family systems interact with many other systems around them. Family systems theory allows one to view the family as a whole, rather than looking at each individual member of the family. This view enables professionals to see family interactions as constantly changing in response to how individual family members interact with each other and …show more content…
BSFT also seeks to increase engagement rates of family members and in doing so increase the reach of services for the family (Robbins et al., 2011). In the case of this analysis, the target problem behavior is adolescent substance use. BSFT is a therapy that is problem-focused, therefore it seeks to change interactions that are relevant to problems that have been identified within the family system (Lindstrom et al., 2015). In this sense, BSFT is not a strength-based approach. However, the first component of treatment are “joining interventions” which establish therapeutic alliances with each member of the family as well as the family system as a whole. This requires the clinician to have an accepting attitude and respect for all members of the family system and the ways in which the family system is organized (Szapocznik et al., 2012). Resiliency and family preservation are large components of BSFT, as it seeks to change family dynamics rather than remove the adolescent or any other family member from the home ( Szapocznik et al., …show more content…
Often, family members may view the adolescent as the source of the problem and the only individual who is in need of treatment. BSFT addresses this issue and suggests that the same problems that keep family members from engaging in treatment are often the same interactional problems within the family that maintain the adolescent 's substance use (Szapocznik et al., 2012). Although BSFT aims to include all members of the family system, it does not directly include individuals from other important systems in the adolescent 's life. For example, school officials or probation officers would not engage in treatment with the