In family systems theory the focus is on the ways in which the family system affects the individual and family functioning. Key concepts in family systems theory that are applicable to Andrea’s case are boundaries, rules/roles/hierarchy, and strengths. The family relationships Andrea is involved in include her son Vincent, her mother, her sister Elizabeth and Vincent’s father John. Family systems theory posits that the functioning among them plays a major role in her wellbeing.
According to Hepworth, Rooney, Dewberry-Rooney, and Strom-Gottfried (2017), boundaries may be either internal, that is between family members or subsystems (such as that composed of Andrea and Vincent) within the family, or external, that is between the family and the environment. Boundaries draw their strength from their clarity, where boundaries are clearly defined and upheld family members can maintain awareness of their roles and those of other family members. There is not a clear differentiation between Andrea and Vincent in terms of who is the parent and who is the child. Vincent clearly sees reason to believe that he needs to parent. For example, Vincent acknowledges needing to take care of his mother, clean the house and is very protective of her when speaking with others. This weak boundary bleeds over to the rest of the family making …show more content…
Vincent is accessing speech and occupational therapy and counseling through his school and receiving training on daily living skills, after school care and community integration services through another program. Andrea has been seeing a psychiatrist for approximately a year and is now receiving case management services. This is important because according to Hepworth et al. access to outside social and professional support networks increases a family’s coping
According to Hepworth, Rooney, Dewberry-Rooney, and Strom-Gottfried (2017), boundaries may be either internal, that is between family members or subsystems (such as that composed of Andrea and Vincent) within the family, or external, that is between the family and the environment. Boundaries draw their strength from their clarity, where boundaries are clearly defined and upheld family members can maintain awareness of their roles and those of other family members. There is not a clear differentiation between Andrea and Vincent in terms of who is the parent and who is the child. Vincent clearly sees reason to believe that he needs to parent. For example, Vincent acknowledges needing to take care of his mother, clean the house and is very protective of her when speaking with others. This weak boundary bleeds over to the rest of the family making …show more content…
Vincent is accessing speech and occupational therapy and counseling through his school and receiving training on daily living skills, after school care and community integration services through another program. Andrea has been seeing a psychiatrist for approximately a year and is now receiving case management services. This is important because according to Hepworth et al. access to outside social and professional support networks increases a family’s coping