Brice Family Systems Napier and Whitaker Exemplify

Brice Family

SYSTEMS

Napier and Whitaker exemplify systems therapy with their presentation of the Brice family case. It is necessary to identify the origins of the systems approach in order to fully appreciate its value in the context of family therapy. It approaches the family unit as a system and therefore borrows heavily from systems theory. Systems theory is a general theory applies across many disciplines and looks at systems that have the ability to self-regulate. The theory applies to biological systems, climate, environment, and the family unit.

Systems approach recognizes the interdependencies that exist in the family as a system. The family unit consists of individuals related to one another forming a complex web that should act in congruence. Therefore, although a part of a system is essential, it is the relationship of the part to the whole that is paramount. The family as a system is dynamic since changes occur every day within the family as a unit and within individuals. Further, it is open in varying degrees to influences of the outside world.

Napier and Whitaker apply systems therapy quite well in their treatise, The Family Crucible. There are several ideas that stand out. First, there are two therapists guiding the family therapy sessions. This is a key aspect of systems therapy where co-therapists play different roles in the procedure. Usually, one therapist is subjectively involved while the other is the observer who can provide an objective analysis of the family therapy process. This is implies that the therapist delves into the world of the family and in a way becomes one with the family.

Secondly, the systems therapy approach does not seek first to treat the cause or symptoms of imbalance or disharmony within the family system. The focus of the approach is practical since it seeks growth as the family members rediscover themselves and weave new patterns of thinking. In order for the family to move to this new level, the therapist must nudge them and sometimes engage in some conflict with the family. It is clear that the therapist also grows with the family to the new level of thinking and organization.

The Brice family includes David, Carolyn, Claudia, Don, and Laura. Don is the father, Carolyn is the mother, and the others are the children in the family. There is a breakdown of relationships in the family due to certain difficulties. The family attends therapy in order to solve these problems. The main task of the co-therapists is to conceptualize the family's difficulties. Napier and Whitaker (1978) do this through experience by trying to push the family's boundaries.

In session one, the whole family was not present since Don skipped the session. The therapist insists on wholeness if change will encompass the family as a unit. Don remained at home at the behest of the family and this prompts the co-therapist to conclude that there is an unconscious lack of commitment. It is at this stage that the co-therapist stamps his authority and demands for the commitment of the whole family. Such an approach is necessary if there will be progress.

The family comes to know that their way of doing things is failing but they are unwilling to commit to change. This resistance is natural since anyone within a system may not be able to see the faults in it. Change only comes with commitment and courage to face failures of the past. It is here that the professional role of Whitaker as the therapist is brought out. He interacts into the system as an authority figure, but must earn his place since the system has its structure and rules.

The book is from Whitaker's perspective and is, therefore, therapy for him as much as it is about the family. The nature of the therapy requires that the co-therapist also experience the problems of the family by recreating the system during therapy. The co-therapist, therefore, seeks to tip the balance by engaging the family head on through straight question that unsettle everyone. Given that the mother is not happy, and the children have varying dispositions, it is up to the therapist to bring their true nature out.