Healthy Family Structure

Today, families have a variety of structures which change over time as members enter, and exit. A family consists of two or more people sharing at least one of the following: common bonds, goals, interests, genes or ancestry. There are many types of families, for example; biological, nuclear, blended, gay/lesbian, bi-racial or multi-racial, adoptive, single-parent, and extended families. Families operate on a principle of equilibrium, like a mobile, all systems and sub-systems must be in balance for it to function smoothly. These sub-systems have their own elements, rules and boundaries. One alteration, no matter how slight, affects all aspects within that system. These shifts and how they are handled depends on the family’s dynamics. …show more content…
All people need a sense of belonging, and families provide that. Within a flourishing family each others primary needs, which change as the family members grow, are consistently met. These needs include a home to provide comfort, and protection from external negative forces, and emotional, and mental satisfaction. The family teaches and models socialization, which includes passing on morals, attitudes, and values. It is a place for protection, and care of the young as well as reproduction and procreation. Healthy families tend to each others pain, and emotional wounds. The family is a place where one is accepted, included, acknowledged, and respected by other members. They seek to improve each other, giving respect, and positive reinforcement. They hold similar identities which set them apart from others, such as, last names, ethnicity, professions, education, religion, race, and medical backgrounds. They define who we are and who each individual is. Experiential therapists believe that people who are permitted to follow their own instincts tend to flourish (Nichols, …show more content…
Often, through time patterns in family dynamics become comfortable, however the people and environments are constantly altering. Modifications in any aspect of life can not only be intimidating, but frightening because it is unfamiliar. Change in family structures requires a new way of thinking, understanding, and behaving. Furthermore, a family may be resistant to discussing issues that are painful or emotionally hurtful to its members. In this way they are protecting each other. If family problems are not discussed, and brought to the surface, then shifts in behaviors can not