Psychology

Bowenian theory is a type of family therapy model focused on the balance of two forces. The first is togetherness and the second is individuality. Too much togetherness creates fusion and prevents individuality (development of ones personal sense of self). Too much individuality results in a distant and divided family.

This includes the employment of Relationship experiments, where the therapist suggests new behaviors or ways of reacting to family stress, this focuses on making the client understand how emotional processes work and enables them to choose actions that lead to less conflict. The I position promotes differentiation of members, frequently one member can impel changes using I statements that separate their own emotions and thoughts from those of the rest of the family. This discourages individuals from the habit of blaming others or moralizing. Process questions is a method of questioning designed to help family members think about their own reactions to what others are doing. This is useful in developing their self-awareness and encouraging self-control.

Family therapy can be done with one person using the Coaching technique, the therapist takes on the role of a teacher, Focusing on aspects like being an accurate observer of the family dynamics, being involved in the development of relationships within the family, and being able to remain neutral when dealing with issues within the family. This enables the client to think that the problems are manageable and within control.

A Genogram is a graphic display similar to a family tree that contains detailed information about the connections among individuals. It is created with simple symbols representing the gender and with various lines to illustrate genetic and emotional attachments. The therapist is provided with a panorama of relationship patterns that makes it easier to detect dysfunctions and to perceive where intervention is needed the most.

Solution focused therapy is another type of family therapy model that focuses on what the client wishes to achieve, it does not dwell on the past, rather the focal point is the analysis of the present and the visualization of an ideal future.

This includes the employment of Miracle questions, a method of questioning which begins by helping the client imagine a situation wherein, overnight, a miracle happens that solves all their familial problems. The clients have to define what differences they would observe to prove that a miracle had taken place. This is vital in making the family realize how vastly improved their relationships will be when the problems are resolved and defines the goal they aim to achieve.

Scaling questions are used to rate the clients current state, with zeroone being the most ideal and ten being the worst, this facilitates the therapist in identifying factors that prevents them from moving up the scale and recognizes what pushes them down. This is helpful in shifting the clients focus from problems to solutions. Compliments encourage the family members to vocalize traits they admire or appreciate in another, a helpful exercise that generates an atmosphere of goodwill for the therapist which is more conducive to problem solving.

Strategic and Structural family therapy is a model mostly intent upon changing behavior rather than insight, this generally includes Reframing, a method that involves the classification of a negative features into positive light for example, constant inquiry can be seen as genuine interest or concern rather than pointless nagging. By providing rational explanations, members become tolerant of each others peculiarities. Paradoxical technique encourages clients to continue with their symptoms and their supporting behaviors. This technique is especially helpful with anxious clients who will feel relieved that they are not expected to change quickly, although this technique relies more on the expectation that the client defies the directive when the absurdity of their situation becomes clear.