STRATEGIC FAMILY THERAPY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

STRATEGIC FAMILY THERAPY - Essay Example The problematic family development formulation utilizes three models; structural model that focuses on flawed family levels, the cybernetic model and the functional model, which is concerned with how a family member develops symptoms to govern others (Yarhouse & Sells, 2008). Goals for therapy formulation imply that strategic family therapy focuses, not on personality or relationships, but it relies on strategies with a focus on the problem at hand to achieve therapy goals. Condition for change formulation focuses more on action-keeping motivation high and resistance low-to facilitate change. Normal family development is concerned with changing a dysfunctional family structure to a more functional one through examination of the family structure (Yarhouse & Sells, 2008). Reasons for picking the Strategic Family Therapy Theory for the Case of Joe and Beth My counseling style focuses on identifying the root course-symptoms-of a family’s current problem and offering solutions that help fix the problem. Therefore, the Strategic Family Therapy is an excellent choice in as far as the case of Joe and Beth is concerned. There is a need to cure the symptoms or courses of Joe’s infidelity, which is strategically the root course of the problem the family is experiencing. Additionally, Joe seems to argue that, his infidelity-the symptom-is unintentional. How it fits into the theory’s definition of â€Å"normal family development† The Strategic Family Therapy theory disregards the normality concept of family development. However, at some instances, such as Haley and Madanes model, the concept of normality is held with emphasis on distinct family boundaries (Yarhouse & Sells, 2008). It considers therapy as a way in which families can be able to change solutions in the event that they are not working. Therapy should be neutral and be able to alter a dysfunctional family structure and create one that is functional without placing expectations on memb ers. The counseling and therapeutic techniques employed for this case fit into this definition and concept in the sense that; there is a common belief that families always make common but imprudent efforts solve the problem facing them, as is in the case of Joe and Beth. This results in positive feedback loop that worsens the problem (Yarhouse & Sells, 2008). Therefore, a viable option to make is to identify the rules governing the loop, the feedback loop itself and change the rules and the loop. Because of the Strategic Family Therapy, the family is given an opportunity to examine the structure of their own family and be able to better the structure. How it fits into the theory’s development of behavior disorders Strategic Family Therapy theory development of behavior disorders utilizes three models; structural model that focuses on flawed family levels, the cybernetic model-runaway reaction loops and the functional model, which is concerned with how a family member develops symptoms to govern others. Focus is on the effect of the solutions attempted by the family with respect to the problem at hand (Yarhouse & Sells, 2008). Additionally, focus is on the relationship that exists between Joe, Beth and their two sons and how marital and unresolved conflicts in the family aggravate the problem. The counseling style used fits into the theories development since it focuses on the on the symptoms of a problem and how they are developed. Joe and Beth’s Family goals for therapy The first therapy goal for Joe and Beth’s family would be to identify the reasons for Joe’s unfaithfulness. This is a crucial goal for this family’s therapy since the problem they are currently facing is because of it.