Family Therapy: Transactive Goal
A transactive goal in family therapy would involve the mutual negotiation and agreement among family members to achieve a shared objective. One example is a family setting a goal to improve their communication skills by holding weekly family meetings where each member has an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns (Sallay et al., 2024).
Goal clarity offers several advantages in family therapy. First off, it helps focus everyone by setting a concrete direction. With clear goals, both the family and the therapist can concentrate on a realistic outcome. Second, clear goals are good ways to motivate family members. Goal clarity also allows for measurable progress,
The relational theory of power is that power is not a fixed attribute that individuals possess, but rather a process that emerges organically within relationships. In the context of family therapy, this means that power dynamics are constantly being negotiated and can shift based on how family members interact and influence each other. This power is relational and not static, and when therapists realize that they can help families to better balance power in their interactions.
Several approaches can be used to balance power within families. One approach is empowerment, which supports less dominant family members as they begin to voice their opinions and participate actively in decision-making processes. Another approach is mediation, where the therapist acts as a neutral third party there to facilitate fair discussions, so that all members are heard. Conflict resolution techniques can be used to manage and resolve conflicts, too. Another approach is role reversal, where family members temporarily switch roles within activitiesthe point being to develop empathy and understanding of each other's perspectives (Giacomucci, 2021). These approaches can all be used to balance the power in a family.
References
Giacomucci, S. (2021).Social work, sociometry, and psychodrama: Experiential approaches for
group therapists, community leaders, and social workers(p. 435). Springer Nature.
Sallay, V., Wieszt, A., Varga, S., & Martos, T. (2024). Balancing identity, construction, and
rules: Family relationship negotiations during first-generation succession in family businesses.Journal of Business Research,174, 114483.
