Reference no: EM133528471

In this discussion question you will return to the MACP Skills Learning Lab and use the case study that you chose in Unit 1 for this discussion.

1. Describe the family's current structure in terms of the boundaries around the family system and among subsystems in the family.

2. Discuss what dysfunctional triangles may be present in the family and suggest what function the triangles play.

3. Examine possible structural changes the family could make that would help them improve their family dynamic.  What are the possible structural changes that the family could make that would improve their current dynamics? What would be the rationale for such changes?

4. Discuss the structural techniques that should be used to accomplish the goals.

5. How might you take cultural considerations into account in evaluating what, if any, structural changes might be beneficial to any specific Couple/family?

Case Study chosen:

Sandra is a twenty-three year old, cisgender woman who has been studying medicine for the last 3 years. She is the first in her family to attend college and medical school. Sandra already feels a lot of pressure. She would like to finish her degree in the next few years but doesn't think that this will ever happen. Currently, Sandra is deferred from her studies and is working two part-time jobs. She works at the local shopping centre on weekdays and as a server in the evenings and most weekends. She dislikes both of her jobs, mostly because they involve dealing with the public. Sandra has strong desires to move on with her career and is frustrated by spending all her time working at tedious jobs.  Sandra lives with her partner Andy who identifies as a transgender woman and is a student. Sandra and Andy describe themselves as being in a queer relationship and note they are within the LGBTQ+ population who reclaimed the word queer with a positive lens. In regard to relationship dynamics, when they were both studying full-time, they were having difficulties supporting themselves financially. They made an arrangement where one of them would work to support the other, until their studies were completed. As Andy is further along in her studies, Sandra has opted to work, and allow her to complete her studies. Andy will then work to support Sandra in her own studies. Sandra had planned to work for about one year, however, Andy has discovered that she will be required to complete an extra year of study to qualify for the position she wants.  This means that Sandra will have to wait at least two years before she can continue her studies. She is currently feeling very trapped by the arrangement, and she does not feel positive about her situation over the coming years. She is becoming resentful of Andy.   She has been reluctant to approach her partner about these feelings, and she can't see any way around her predicament.