PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION BELOW ZERO PLAGIARISM 4 REFERENCES Although structural therapy and strategic therapy are both used in family therapy, these therapeutic approaches have many differences in theory and application. As you assess families and develop treatment plans, you must consider these differences and their potential impact on clients. For this Assignment, as you compare structural and strategic family therapy, consider which therapeutic approach you might use with your own client families. In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:
Structural therapy and strategic therapy are two distinct therapeutic approaches used in family therapy. While both approaches aim to bring about positive change within the family system, they differ in their theoretical foundations and techniques.
Structural therapy, developed by Salvador Minuchin, focuses on the structure and organization of the family. It views the family as a system with interconnected subsystems and hierarchies. The therapist’s role is to identify and explore the underlying patterns of interactions and boundaries within the family that may be contributing to the presenting problem. By restructuring the family’s interactions and realigning subsystem boundaries, structural therapy seeks to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and promote healthier functioning.
In contrast, strategic therapy, developed by Jay Haley and Milton H. Erickson, emphasizes the strategic intervention to bring about change in the family system. Strategic therapists work on altering problematic family dynamics by prescribing specific tasks or directives. The therapist actively intervenes in the therapeutic process, often using paradoxical or directive techniques to disrupt dysfunctional patterns and provoke change. Strategic therapy focuses on resolving symptoms rather than exploring underlying family dynamics.
One key difference between the two approaches lies in their understanding of the presenting problem. Structural therapy views the presenting problem as a manifestation of dysfunctional family patterns, whereas strategic therapy sees it as a symptom within the family system. While structural therapy aims to change the structure and organization of the family, strategic therapy focuses on altering the presenting problem itself.
Another difference is the role of the therapist in the therapeutic process. In structural therapy, the therapist takes an active and directive stance, often participating in the family interactions and reorganizing the family structure. The therapist acts as a catalyst for change and guides the family towards healthier patterns of interaction. In contrast, strategic therapy emphasizes the therapist’s role in generating change through strategic interventions and directives. The therapist may use paradoxical techniques or assign specific tasks to provoke change in the family system.
The techniques employed in each approach also differ significantly. Structural therapy places emphasis on joining and restructuring techniques. Joining techniques involve building rapport and forming alliances with family members to establish a strong therapeutic relationship. Restructuring techniques involve modifying the family’s interactions and boundaries to create healthier patterns. Examples of restructuring techniques include boundary making, enacting, and reframing.
Strategic therapy, on the other hand, relies heavily on techniques such as paradoxical interventions and ordeals. Paradoxical interventions involve prescribing behaviors that seem counterintuitive to the presenting problem to disrupt dysfunctional patterns. Ordeals are therapeutic tasks assigned to family members that challenge their existing patterns and promote change. These techniques aim to provoke the family’s resistance to change and create opportunities for growth.
When considering which therapeutic approach to use with client families, it is essential to assess the unique dynamics and needs of each family. Structural therapy may be more suitable for families with issues related to communication, boundaries, and power dynamics. It is particularly effective in working with families experiencing behavioral or emotional problems stemming from structural difficulties. Strategic therapy, on the other hand, may be more appropriate for families presenting with specific symptoms that require immediate resolution.
In conclusion, structural therapy and strategic therapy are two distinct approaches to family therapy. While both have the goal of bringing about positive change in the family system, they differ in their theoretical foundations, techniques, and the role of the therapist. Understanding these differences is crucial for clinicians in developing treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of their client families. Selecting the appropriate therapeutic approach depends on a thorough assessment of the presenting problem, family dynamics, and the desired outcomes for therapy.