Family systems theory and therapy approaches applied to Pete's family dynamics

Psychology of Marriage and Family Systems

Vignette One

Considering the reading assignments in both texts, what do you see going on with Pete and his family?

Family dynamics is affecting Pete and his family. The point of focus is the pattern of dynamics apparent in Tim's family, including the impact that the youngsters behavior has on the family members. The following points affect family dynamics:

Intra-parental relationship number of youngsters in the family persona of each of the family member an absence of a parent the assortment of individuals who are living under the same roof level and type of influence from extended family or others a chronically sick individual within the family a veritable assortment of societal and emotional trauma faced in the past by elders, such as an divorce, affair, unemployment, death, homelessness familial attachments, or lack thereof (i.e. insecure, secure)

inherited features of family members through generations (parents and grandparents families)

broader systems- social, economic, political including poverty

2.

What theories of family therapy from both texts might explain this family dynamic?

Bowen family system theory

The past is having a bearing on the present. Change is possible-individuals can take a trajectory of differentiation. Emotions are physiological processes-feelings are the thoughts that cause emotions, which make them meaningful. Symptoms indicate stress-level, anxiousness and lessen differentiation. Too much stress can have such symptoms; people who are differentiated are more poised to withstand stress and, in the even they do succumb, recover faster (Nelson, n.d).

Experiential family therapy

Family problems are found in suppressed emotions, stubbornness, denial of impulsive feelings, emotional deadness lack of awareness, and excessive reliance on defensive behavior. Families have to realize their true feelings. Therapy works from the within (emotion) to externalities (behavior). By allowing reference to the individual's experiences makes them realize the true value of their experiences and help to posit a healthy family correspondence (Nelson, n.d).

Strategic family therapy

Family members unwittingly become causative to problems (by trying to solve issues by themselves) --the problem is the problem sustenance (escalations or amplification owing to positive feedback). There are certain measures Directed towards specific family structure that may result in a surprisingly abrupt change in the situation. All measures have to be taken into account by following certain procedures, incidental constructs' responsiveness is not advisable symptomatic postures are of greater value than verbal enunciations in familial constructs (Nelson, n.d).

Narrative therapy

The language used shapes the reality - language and experience (meaning) correspond to each other. Reality is a social construct. Truth can be ascribed only to the client, which may differ in perception of others. Focus should be on impact, not the cause of the problem (how problem has effect on the family; how family is causative of problem) Stories organize our experience & shape our behavior. No individual should be construed as a problem; the attention should be on the problem itself. People are themselves the story; the story reflects the personality of the teller (Nelson, n.d).

3.

What cultural issues come to mind when working with this family?

Assumptions that the family practices "traditional" religious view, would be a biased opinion, rather the family should be indulged in their opinion about possibilities of exploring adoption, abortion, and single parenting as options. It is important too, to find out the individual in the family who conforms to or refuses to adapt to socio-cultural traditions and practices. It is expected of the wisdom carried by the family therapist to understand the undercurrents in the family that caused Tim to forsake social and cultural conformity (Metcalf, 2011).

4.

What legal and ethical issues would you need to consider?

Complex moral dilemmas emerge as treatment movements confront an individual to one that includes a family framework. For instance, what are the obligatory priorities of the counselor, to whom and for whom? The patient as understood? The different relatives as independent people? The whole family? Or only those that opt to present themselves for the sessions called for the family? In case of clashing objectives what is supposed to be paid more attention, an individual's fulfillment or trying to bring about a harmony in the family (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2007)

For this situation, the family specialist face a moral predicament construct of familial needs pitted against individual needs. Undertaking restorative work with a Family, then represents a mixture of complexities for the specialist's obligations in professional terms. The help offered to one relative may be construed as an injustice meted out to the other, particularly in a rigid family framework. Such a disposition may be appropriated as loss of impartiality on the part of the professional counselor (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2007).

Vignette Two

1.

Considering the reading assignments in both texts, what do you see going on with Joyce and Fred?

I see typical signs/symptoms of a troubled marriage.

2.

What theories of marriage and family therapy from both texts might explain this couple's dynamic

Contextual Family Therapy Theory

Boszormenyi-Nagy's Contextual theory describes how personal, intergenerational, relational, and social causes are responsible for contributing to the maintenance and development of a phenomenon. Boszormenyi-Nagy and Krasner state, "Contextual requires that real progress lies in the proper and total assimilation of knowledge about both individual mind and the social system." (1986). Contextual Family Theory is built upon a corresponding, systemic posit that takes into account the propensity of components of the family. This complex module considers violations of trust or injustices and neutrality in relationships and across generations as the most important premise. In the event of such unjustified behavior, individuals have a natural tendency to retaliate (Adkins, 2010).

Contextual Theory and Attachment Theory

Dependability as characterized by Boszormenyi-Nagy is like the premises of Attachment hypothesis. Unreliability in attachment in her may emerge through conflicting responses or inaccessibility of the spouse to accommodate passionate needs. Both Attachment and Contextual hypotheses are fabricated from an objective structure that obliges each to accommodate the other through expression of individuality or delineation toward oneself, and exploration coming from both points-of-view contexts to turn the distrust into matured accommodating and fulfilling unions. Then again, Contextual hypothesis treats dependability as an idea that results from continued exhibition of adequate responsiveness. Here dependability works with intergenerational faithfulness and the transmission of qualifications and commitments as parts of feeling of relationship equity, as Boszormenyi-Nagy presents equity as the model through which relationship working can be appropriated (Adkins, 2010).

3.

Respect for Confidentiality

Counselors ensure the secrecy of data of current and prospective clients. They reveal data only with proper approval of clients or with sound legitimate or moral avocation. Privacy is a premise for appropriation of the customer well-being and protection and subsequently secures autonomy for the clients. Hence, any compromise on the level of classifiedness is liable to reduce the viability of guidance offered (Australian Counseling Association, n.d).

Minimal Disclosure

To the degree conceivable, customers are made aware before private data is unveiled and are included in the divulgence procedure decision. At the point when circumstances require the exposure of classified data, only the most relevant data is made available (Australian Counseling Association, n.d).

Counselors must be abreast of regulations and strictures current law applicable to their practice, Federal Law as well as the specific laws of their State or Territory. This incorporates those legitimate rights that allude to customer rights secured under laws and statutes of the Commonwealth, State or Territory in which the Counselor practices. Counselors should not act in their advising related exercises in ways which show disrespect either in their part as a counselor in the work of different guides (Australian Counseling Association, n.d).