Family Systems Theory The purpose of Family Systems Theory is to utilize the family unit along with systems approach to explain the complex manner in which a family and the various members of that family operate. By placing members of family together, the reality of the family's bond can be appreciated, dispelling feelings of neglect or disconnect. Family Systems Theory enables individuals to speak more directly to one another within the family in order to overcome obstacles and deal with issues that may be affecting them as individuals or as a family unit.

The scope of the theory "encompasses the considerable relationship complexities of families without imposing one-time married family models or expectations on them" (Titelman, 2013, p. 356). The idea here is that instead of focusing on individual pathologies, family systems theory enables individuals to focus on the process of interaction within the family. It diverts attention away from a problem-oriented concept towards a solution-oriented concept derived from its broad scope which includes the overall family dynamic.

The major concepts of Family Systems Theory are 8: first, there is the differentiation of the Self -- which refers to how individuals deal with issues in life; second, there are triangles -- which refer to "the basic molecule of human relationship systems" (Vermont Center for...

By understanding the way in which the family operates and functions according to the eight…