Family Systems Theory Simplified: Applying and Understanding Systemic Therapy Models

✍ Scribed by Bethany C. Suppes

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2022
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 241
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

In this textbook for students and instructors of marriage and family therapy, Bethany C. Suppes offers a refreshed perspective of family systems therapy (FST), focusing on the importance of understanding its concepts and demonstrating how models of marriage and family therapy can appear practically in counseling.

In Part I, Suppes begins with a theoretical overview of FST, including the history of development, key theorists, and defining core concepts. In Part II, she focuses on application and explores nine key components of FST, identifying how various systemic therapy models apply these concepts. The book also covers the professional responsibilities of the systemic therapist and cultural considerations for those using the theory professionally.

Primarily written for those having their first exposure to the ideas of FST, it explains concepts in a language and structure that is more comprehensive and culturally aware than existing literature, aiming to improve the therapeutic process for both therapist and client.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Foreword
Dedications and Acknowledgments
Introduction
What Is Worldview?
Introductory Vocabulary
Overview of Content
Part I Theoretical Overview
1 History of Family Systems Theory
General Systems Theory
Cybernetics
First-Order Cybernetics
Second-Order Cybernetics
Thermostat Metaphor
Social Science Contributions
Structural Functionalism
Social Exchange Theory
Self-Regulation Model
Developmental Task Theory
Key Researchers of Family Systems Theory
Gregory Bateson
Don D. Jackson
John Weakland
Paul Watzlawick
Milton Erickson
Jay Haley
Salvador Minuchin
Virginia Satir
Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy
The Ultimate Group Project
Overview of Key Terms
2 Differentiating Therapeutic Theory and Clinical Modality
Defining Therapeutic Theory
Social Theory
Family Theory
Defining Therapeutic Modality
Examples in Family Therapy
So How Are They Different?
When the Differences Are Harder to Identify
Person-Centered Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Psychoanalysis
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Key Limitations
Philosophical Limitations of Theories
Limits of Family Systems Theory Specifically
Philosophical Limitations of Modalities
Summary
3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Therapist in Family Systems Theory
Role of the Therapist
A Nondiagnosing Stance
Role of the Modern Therapist
Examples of Modern Family System Therapies
Role of the Postmodern Therapist
Examples of Postmodern Family System Therapies
Role of the Directive Therapist
Examples of Directive Family System Therapies
Role of the Nondirective Therapist
Examples of Nondirective Family Systems Therapies
What Do I Do With This Information?
Role of the Advocating Therapist
In-Session Responsibilities of the Therapist
Creating a Safe Space
Basic Attending Skills
Multidirectional Partiality
Flexibility and Patience
Curiosity
Out-of-Session Responsibilities of the Therapist
Self-Reference
Self-Care
Self-Compassion
Examples of Self-Care
What About When Self-Care Goes Wrong?
Summary
Part II Theoretical Application
4 FST Concept I: Wholeness
What Is Wholeness?
Goal-Setting as a Family System
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Are Families Always Goal-Seeking?
Family Roles
Criticism of Holism
Applicable Therapeutic Models
Bowen’s Multigenerational Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Narrative Family Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Treating With Bowenian Multigenerational Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Structural Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Narrative Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating Using Internal Family Systems Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Reader Reflection
5 FST Concept II: You Cannot Not Communicate
Types of Communication
Principles of Communication
One Cannot Not Communicate
One Cannot Not Behave
Meaning Given Is Not Always Meaning Meant
Watzlawick’s Interpretation of Communication
Styles of Communication
Symmetrical Communication
Complementary Communication
When Communication Fails
Communication in the Family
The Double-Bind Theory
Paradox and Counter-Paradox
Applicable Therapeutic Models
Strategic Family Therapy
Symbolic Experiential Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Contextual Family Therapy
Treating With Strategic Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Symbolic Experiential Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Solution-Focused Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Contextual Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Reader Reflection
6 FST Concept III: Context Is Key
Definition and Description of Context
Physical Surroundings
Indoor to Outdoor
Natural to Manmade
Public to Private
Isolated to Crowded
Emotional Environment
Social Roles
Social Rules
Context of Past, Present, and Future Interactions
Context of Past Interactions
Context of Current Interactions
Context of Future Interactions
Inevitability of Context
Context and Constructivism
Coexisting Realities
Co-constructing Reality
Why Context Matters
Applicable Therapeutic Models
Narrative Family Therapy
Contextual Family Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Contexts to Consider in this Study
Physical Context
Cultural Context
Familial Context
Other Contexts to Consider
Treating With Narrative Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Contextual Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Emotion-Focused Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Reader Reflection
7 FST Concept IV: Co-Occurring Systems
Definition and Description
Suprasystems and Subsystems
Triangles
Roles in Triangles
Interlocking Triangles
Autopoiesis
Ecological Systems Theory
Immediate Self
Microsystem
Mesosystems
Exosystems
Macrosystem
Chronosystem
Ecological Systems Theory and Family Systems Theory
Where There Are Systems, There Is Hierarchy
Applicable Therapeutic Models
Structural Family Therapy
Bowen Multigenerational Family Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Treating With Structural Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Bowen’s Multigenerational Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Solution-Focused Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Internal Family Systems Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Reader Reflection
8 FST Concept V: Boundaries
Defining Boundaries
Boundaries in Subsystems
How Boundaries Are Asserted
What Are Unhealthy Boundaries?
Minuchin’s Types of Boundaries
The Circumplex Model
Cohesion
Adaptability
Communication in Boundaries
Examples of Practiced Boundaries
Goals of Boundaries
How to Have Better Boundaries
Define the Desired Boundary
Protect Those Boundaries
Respond to the Offenders
Propose an Alternative Course of Action
Applicable Therapy Models
Structural Family Therapy
Contextual Family Therapy
Symbolic Experiential Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Treating With Structural Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Contextual Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Symbolic Experiential Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Internal Family Systems Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Reader Reflection
9 FST Concept VI: Circular Causality
Defining Circularity
Circular Causality
Different From Linear Thinking
Recursion
Vicious Cycles
Perpetuated Cycles of Interaction: Positive Feedback and Negative Feedback
Fault and Responsibility in Circular Causality
Circular Causality and Change in the Family System
Applicable Therapeutic Models
Strategic Family Therapy
Bowen Multigenerational Family Therapy
Acceptance-Commitment Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Stage 1: Assessment and Cycle De-Escalation
Stage 2: Changing Interaction Positions
Stage 3: Consolidation and Integration
Treating With Strategic Family Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Bowenian Multigenerational Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Acceptance-Commitment Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Treating With Emotion-Focused Therapy
Interpretation of the Problem
Anticipated Solution
Example Questions
Reader Reflection
Part III Additional Considerations
10 Role of Individual Psychology in Family Systems Theory
Mental Health, Mental Wellness, and Mental Illness
Mental Health, Physical Health, and Systemic Health
Systemic Perspectives of Individual Psychology
Bowenian Self-Differentiation
IFS Self-Leadership
The Relational Self
Family Systems Theory Concepts Overlapping Individual Psychology
Wholeness and Individual Psychology
Communication and Individual Psychology
Context and Individual Psychology
Co-occurring Systems and Individual Psychology
Boundaries and Individual Psychology
Circular Causality and Individual Psychology
Systemic Considerations in the Assessment Phase
Systemic Application in Individual Intervention
A Final Note On Therapist Responsibilities
Role of Autonomy in a System
Individual Psychology in the Microsystem
Individual Psychology in the Macrosystem
Treating Individuals With Family Systems Theory
Another Resource to Consider
11 Cultural Considerations of Family Systems Theory
Defining Culture
Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures
Using Family Systems Theory With Collectivism in Mind
Bowen’s Self-Differentiation in Collectivistic Cultures
Satir’s Experiential Systemic Work in Collectivistic Cultures
Holism Across Cultures
Culture Influencing Communication
Context of Culture, Culture in Context
Culture and Co-Occurring Systems
Boundaries Across Cultures
Culture Impact On Change and Circular Causality
The Culturally Competent Therapist
Mechanism 1: Worldview and Value Differences
Mechanism 2: Experiences and Contexts
Mechanism 3: Power Differences Between Therapist and Client
Mechanism 4: Felt Distance Between Therapist and Client System
Summary
Conclusion
References
Index