Problems always exist in a family ranging from simple misunderstandings and social problems among others. This has given rise to the developments of various therapeutic models useful in the identification of such problems and provision of valuable solutions. This study provides succinct concepts related to structural therapy and multigenerational family therapy and their critical aspect in the identification of problems in a given family setting. I would adopt the structural therapeutic model because is covers many aspects compared to the multigenerational family model.
Multiple Therapeutic Models of a Family
The main components of structural therapy
Structural therapy is a family treatment model founded on the frameworks of systems theory. The distinctive component of this model is the emphasis it has placed on structural adjustments as the primary objective of the therapy session. This emphasis is prominent over details of adjustments in individual behaviors. This model is distinctive because the therapist is the most active agent and receives much attention in the course of family restructuring (Lock & Strong, 2012).
The main purpose of structural family therapy is prevention of sequences from repetition by coveting the hierarchical structures of families. This encompasses shifts in power distribution among family members by adjusting interaction styles. Nevertheless, structural family therapy operates by making alterations on the dysfunctional family structure through encouragement and promotion of growth among family members with the primary intention of re-building the family (Petridis, Pichorides, & Varopoulos, 2010). Additionally, structural family therapy was designed to adjust family dynamics by providing trendy options of interacting and methods of solving problems. Structural changes are necessary in situations whereby members experience difficulties in solving family issues. These structural adjustments are based on reorganization and implementation; realignments and behavioral alterations in the structures of families through cooperation and identifying better ways of interaction (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008).
The main components of multigenerational family therapy
Multigenerational family therapy is sometimes referred to as mainstream family therapy. This approach is based on effective theoretical orientation applied in clinical practice. Multigenerational family therapy operates on the component that the best way to understand families is by analyzing its patterns using different perspectives of generations. This is because possible interpersonal relationship patterns links the functioning of members of a family across different generations. According this theory, the origins of problems experienced by an individual are understood by looking at the family's role from the emotional unit perspective. This theory is based on the basic assumption that emotional fusion must be resolved if unique personality and mature relationships are to be achieved (Petridis, Pichorides, & Varopoulos, 2010).
Multigenerational family therapy puts emphasis of the theory's role in guiding family therapy practice. For this theory, it is vital to embrace an appropriately documented theory in sustaining emotional detachment as a therapist of a family. However, this theory has received substantial criticisms of going against emotions. This is ridiculous to many people working for their own families. However, this theory emphasizes that clients must critically think during therapy sessions. Multigenerational family therapy is of the belief that its use results in structured state of family. This is achieved through data organization, providing an explanation to past events and prediction of future events. It is effective because it assists in understanding origins of events and their controls (Lock & Strong, 2012).
Multigenerational family therapy developed as a result of schizophrenic family members. This theory has much interest in developing family systems rather than tactics to work with families. This theory has been centered on key components grouped into varied categories, including emotional cut off, self-differentiation, emotional system based on the nuclear family, multigenerational processes of transmission and processes of family projections. This theory has made great contributions such as the core triangulation and self differentiation concepts (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008).
Similarities and differences between both structural and multigenerational family therapies
The multigenerational family therapy approach is based on self-differentiation concepts. This theory asserts that family members are required towards differentiating themselves from the family of origin. This is for the purpose of developing a feeling of self-identity and ability to become responsible for actions in their personal lives. If individuals are well differentiated, they have high chances of having a clear feeling of their true identity and become confident in addressing conflicts without overpowering emotions and fears accruing from being too independent. On the contrary, people who have developed a strong sense of self-differentiation are likely to embrace and recognize their personal interdependence (Peterson, Steinmetz & Sussman, 2009).
The two theories have focused on families leading to the triangulation concept. This originates from the theories suggesting that unit of relationships between members of a family are the tinniest structured systems of relationships. This is because two family members would not undergo pressures to involve a third person in solving their conflicts. Nevertheless, the triangular system of these theories has always been experiencing unrest because one member will always have the feeling of an outsider. These theories are of the assertion that issues of triangulation can be sources of main problems among members of a family. The main purpose of structural family therapy is prevention of sequences from repetition by coveting the hierarchical structures of families. Compared to the structural family therapy, multigenerational theory focuses on resolving emotional fusions with the primary intention of achieving unique personality and mature relationships within the family (Petridis, Pichorides & Varopoulos, 2010). While the multigenerational family therapy focuses on multigenerational interaction patterns in solving these issues, the family structure theory focuses on allowing a healthy and appropriate adaptation and communication within the family. The multigenerational family theory determines how interaction pattern contributes towards these problems and cooperates with families in solving such problems from repeating. Individuals under the family contexts are required to change (Stricker, Widiger & Weiner, 2009).
On the other hand, structural family therapy focuses on family sub-systems; sibling subsystem, parenting subsystem and spouse subsystem. This theory is based on basic boundaries, including disconnects and disengagement between family members, flexible and clear boundaries that allow healthy and appropriate adaptation and communication (Peterson, Steinmetz & Sussman, 2009). Unlike multigenerational approach, structural family therapy believes that symptoms of any individual are understood better following the perspective of an interaction pattern of a family. According to this theory, changes in family structures occur before symptoms of an individual can be eliminated or reduced. This approach is based on three stages; the therapist joining the family as the facilitator, mapping of the system of the family by the therapist and the therapist working as to adjust structures of the family (Lock & Strong, 2012).
You’re 83% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.