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What are triangles? Not the shapes from geometry class, of course.
Triangles, in the context of family therapy, refer to a three-person relationship, where two family members form an alliance to manage conflict with the third member. This concept was introduced by Dr. Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist from in the 1950s. Triangles bring stability to the family structure and help manage tensions or conflict.
Some of the beliefs in a family’s belief system may be tied to…?
The family's culture.
What are boundaries in families?
Boundaries in families are rules about who can participate in the family and how.
Optimal family functioning requires a balance between…?
Cohesion (group solidarity) and Differentiation (individual autonomy)
Why might goal setting be difficult within family therapy?
Often, each family member has a different goal.
True or false: Trauma may be a result of intergenerational trauma.
True
What does it mean for families to go through life cycle challenges?
It means that the family will develop over each of the family members' life cycle. Therefore, they are changing all together.
What does it mean when we say that families go through life cycle challenges?
Families develop over a life cycle similar to individuals. During this life cycle, challenges arise that fit the context of the present moment and/or environment.
True or False: The relationship between the therapist and patient/family is more important than the relationship between family members in the context of therapy.
False, it is the goal of the therapist to facilitate relationships—based on mutual understanding—between family members.
What does the term “coalitions” mean?
A coalition is a dysfunctional alliance between two family members against a third member, often when the third member holds opposing beliefs. This results in a toxic family dynamic that isolates the third family member, prompting feelings of disconnection.
What does a therapist ask for through enactment?
For the family members to bring their problems into the therapist's room.
Why is enactment important for family therapy?
It can help the family reflect on what is happening.
Why is adaptability important within family therapy?
It shifts beliefs and interaction styles as members and circumstances change. It helps families deal with challenges while maintaining a sense of wellbeing.
What does goal setting provide?
Goal setting provides a focus for the therapeutic process.
Why can family belief systems be difficult to deal with for a therapist?
They cannot easily be changed.
What is object relations family therapy?
Object relations family therapy is how the self develops in relation with others in the family. This happens with the parents, when they see one another in a distorted lens due to their underdeveloped parts of self, which makes them want to change and turn the other into the “ideal parent” to complete self.
What can a circular question reveal for family members?
Misunderstandings at the root of the family’s conflict.
What does it mean for boundaries to be enmeshed? Disengaged?
Enmeshed boundaries are too rigid. Disengaged boundaries are too fluid.
True or false: Circular questions involve a therapist only asking one person what they think of a situation.
False. Circular questions are designed to introduce novel/unique perspectives that all members of the family can reflect upon.
What role does culture play in determining family dynamics and/or conflicts?
Often, families hold cultural beliefs about how the family, or particular members, should function. Members who go against this grain may be the subject of interpersonal conflict.
What is Bowen family therapy focused on?
Bowen family therapy is focused on self-differentiation is the psychological prerequisite for a healthy functioning family. It helps the family differentiate their emotions and thoughts of the self instead of as a family.
What do the three poses in family sculpting reveal?
An important time in the past, present, or desired future.
What does family sculpting reveal about each person?
How they view their role in, and connectedness with, the family.
What does it mean for family patterns to be transmitted across generations?
The behavior of a parent is reflected within their child.
When is the next exam?
Friday, better study.