Reference no: EM133542530

Question

Structural family therapists alter family members' cognitive constructions about their presenting problems to provide members with a different frame for viewing reality. This, in turn, enables the family to change the way they relate to one another. Typically the goal is to move family discussions from linear constructions of the problems (e.g., "There's a communication problem; he won't tell me what he's feeling") to systemic ones (e.g., "He doesn't tell his wife what he feels because she nags and criticizes; and she nags and criticizes because he doesn't tell her what he's feeling").

Describe a "typical" problem presented by families in treatment with intrapsychic or linear constructions (e.g., acting-out adolescent, absent father/ husband, school-phobic child, etc.). Try to transform this linearly constructed problem into a structural problem based on your understanding of complementarity in family relations. Discuss any ethical considerations associated with this topic. How would you know when to make a referral to a marriage and family therapist?