Structural Family Therapy: Techniques, Working and Benefits

Structural family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the structure of the family unit, and the way it affects individual members. This approach assumes that family dynamics play a role in psychological problems, and aims to improve communication and relationships within the family system. Structural family therapy can be beneficial for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, relationship conflicts, or behavioral problems. If you are considering this type of therapy, read on to learn more about what it is and how it can help you.

What Is Structural Family Therapy?

Structural family therapy (SFT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of behavior within families. It was developed in the 1950s by Salvador Minuchin and has since been used to treat families with a variety of issues, including addiction, mental illness, and relationship problems.

The history of this approach to therapy is interesting. Minuchin, who was born in Argentina, began his career as a child psychiatrist. He later moved to the United States, where he worked with families from inner-city neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It was during this time that he developed the idea for SFT.

Minuchin believed that families are like systems and that when one member of the system experiences a problem, it can cause problems for the entire family. He also believed that families can be helped by changing the way they interact with each other. For example, if a family member is behaving negatively, SFT would work to change the way the other members of the family respond to that behavior. This could involve helping them to set boundaries or to communicate more effectively.

How Does Structural Family Therapy Help?

There are many ways in which structural family therapy can help. One way is by providing support to the family unit as a whole. This type of therapy can also help families to communicate better and resolve conflict more constructively. Additionally, structural family therapy can help families to develop stronger bonds and improve overall functioning.

Some of the issues through which this therapy can help are:

Behavioral Issues

One of the most common reasons why families seek out structural family therapy is to help address behavioral issues. This type of therapy can help children and adolescents who are struggling with disruptive behaviors, such as defiance, aggression or acting out. Additionally, this type of therapy can also help adults who are struggling with similar issues.

Communication Issues

Another common reason why families seek out this type of therapy is to help improve communication. Structural family therapy can help family members learn how to communicate more effectively with one another. This can be especially helpful for families who tend to argue a lot or have difficulty resolving conflict.

Bonding Issues

If you feel like your family isn’t as close as you’d like them to be, structural family therapy can also help. This type of therapy can help families to develop stronger bonds and improve overall functioning. Additionally, this type of therapy can help families to better understand one another’s needs and how to support one another.

Parenting Issues

If you’re struggling with parenting, structural family therapy can also be helpful. This type of therapy can help parents to learn more effective parenting techniques. Additionally, this type of therapy can help parents to better understand their children’s needs and how to support them.

Trauma

One of the most important aspects of structural family therapy is its focus on trauma. This type of therapy can help you understand and process your trauma, as well as learn how to cope with it healthily. If you have experienced trauma, whether it be due to abuse, neglect, or any other type of violence, structural family therapy can help you heal from that trauma and move on with your life.

Marriage Issues

One of the main goals of structural family therapy is to help families identify and change negative communication patterns. If you’re experiencing marital problems, this type of therapy can help you and your spouse learn how to communicate more effectively with each other. In addition, structural family therapy can also help you and your spouse understand each other’s needs and want better.

Step Family Issues

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to a functional family is not divorce, but rather stepfamilies. The structure of a stepfamily can be very confusing and lead to conflict. In structural family therapy, the therapist works with the family to help them understand the new structure and how to best communicate and work together. This can be an extremely valuable intervention for families who are struggling to adjust to a new life after divorce.

Single Parenting

Sometimes, families seek out structural family therapy to help address single parenting. This type of therapy can help single parents to communicate better and resolve conflict more constructively. Additionally, this type of therapy can help single parents to develop stronger bonds and improve overall functioning.

As you can see, there are many reasons why families might seek out structural family therapy. If you’re struggling with any of the issues listed above, this type of therapy could be helpful for you.

What to Expect from Structural Family Therapy?

If you’re considering seeking structural family therapy, it’s important to know what to expect. Some of these things are:

First and foremost, this type of therapy is typically short-term. Most families only need a few sessions before they start to see results.

Second, structural family therapy is usually conducted with all members of the family present. This allows the therapist to get a better sense of the dynamics at play.

Third, this type of therapy tends to be very active. That means that you can expect to do a lot of talking and sharing in each session.

Finally, structural family therapy is typically solution-focused. That means that your therapist will help you identify and work towards specific goals.

If you’re struggling with any number of issues within your family, structural family therapy could be a great option for you. It’s important to speak with a qualified therapist to see if this type of therapy is right for your situation.

Different Techniques of Structural Family Therapy

Many different techniques are used in structural family therapy. Some of these are:

Re-framing

One of the most common techniques used in structural family therapy is re-framing. This involves changing the way that a problem is seen, to change the way that it is dealt with. For example, if a child is acting out at school, the problem might be framed as “the child has a problem with authority figures” rather than “the child is bad.”

This can help to change the way that the problem is dealt with, as it changes the way that it is seen. It can also help to reduce conflict within the family, as it allows for a different perspective on the situation.

Joining

Another common technique used in structural family therapy is joining. This involves the therapist becoming a part of the family, to better understand their dynamics. This can be done by attending family events, such as meals or outings. It can also be done by participating in activities that the family enjoys, such as playing games or going on walks together.

This technique can be very beneficial, as it allows the therapist to get a first-hand look at how the family interacts with each other. It can also help to build trust between the therapist and the family, which is essential for effective treatment.

Minimal Encouragement

Another technique that is often used in structural family therapy is minimal encouragement. This involves the therapist giving very little input, and instead letting the family members talk to each other and work out their problems. This can be done by simply sitting back and listening, or by asking open-ended questions.

This technique can be beneficial, as it allows the family to come up with solutions to their problems. It can also help to build communication within the family, as they are forced to talk to each other more.

Redirecting

Another common technique used in structural family therapy is redirecting. This involves the therapist changing the focus of the conversation, to avoid conflict or negative emotions. For example, if a family is arguing about money, the therapist might redirect the conversation to talk about something else, such as hobbies or interests.

This technique can be beneficial, as it can help to avoid arguments and negative feelings. It can also help to keep the conversation focused on positive topics, which can be helpful for the family overall.

Role-playing

Another technique that is often used in structural family therapy is role-playing. This involves the therapist and the family members acting out different scenarios, to help them understand each other’s perspectives. For example, if a child is having trouble with school, the therapist might have the child and the parent role-play a conversation about it.

This technique can be beneficial, as it can help to improve communication within the family. It can also help to provide a different perspective on a situation, which can help solve problems.

Structural Analysis

One of the most important techniques used in structural family therapy is structural analysis. This involves the therapist looking at the structure of the family, and how it affects their interactions. This can be done by observing the family dynamics, or by talking to the family members about their roles within the family.

This technique is essential, as it helps to identify any problems with the way that the family is structured. It can also help to provide insight into why certain problems occur, and how they can be resolved.

Family Sculpting

Families often participate in family sculpting, which is a technique that can be used to help them understand each other’s perspectives. This involves the therapist creating a sculpture of the family, with each member being represented by a different color. The therapist then has the family members discuss their colors, and what they represent. It also allows the family members to see each other in a different light and can help to improve communication.

Transgenerational Transmission

This is when patterns of behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are passed down from one generation to the next. Structural family therapy can help to break these cycles by identifying and changing the behaviors that are being passed down. This technique is also known as intergenerational transmission.

One of the key goals of structural family therapy is to help families function more effectively. This includes improving communication, resolving conflict, and increasing cooperation. Structural family therapy can also help families to deal with major life transitions, such as divorce, death, or illness.

Enactment

One of the defining features of Structural Family Therapy is the focus on family dynamics and how they play out in day-to-day interactions. This is often done through what’s known as “enactment.” Enactment is when the therapist gets the family members to act out, or reenact, specific situations that are causing problems.

The therapist will usually start by observing the family’s interactions during a session. From there, they’ll identify patterns of behavior that are contributing to the problem. Once these patterns are identified, the therapist will work with the family to find new ways of interacting that can help resolve the issue.

Enactment can be a powerful tool for change because it allows families to see their problems in a new light. It also allows them to practice new ways of interacting with each other so that they can start to break old patterns of behavior.

Sessions of Structural Family Therapy

The sessions of Structural Family Therapy are based on the idea that the family is a system, and each member of the family has a role to play in that system. The therapist will work with the family to help them understand how their roles interact with each other, and how they can change their roles to improve the functioning of the family.

There are about 12 sessions in Structural Family Therapy, and each session lasts for about 90 minutes. The therapist will meet with the family as a whole, and then will meet with each member of the family individually. The therapist will also work with the family to develop a plan for how they can improve their communication and relationships.

Is Structural Family Therapy Effective?

The effectiveness of structural family therapy has been researched extensively. In a large-scale study of over 500 families, it was found to be an effective treatment for a variety of problems, including delinquency, drug abuse, and mental health issues.

In another study of 300 families, structural family therapy was found to be more effective than individual or group therapy in reducing relapse rates for substance abuse and improving overall functioning.

There is also research to suggest that structural family therapy can be an effective treatment for eating disorders. One study found that those who received this type of therapy were more likely to maintain their weight loss and avoid relapse than those who did not receive any treatment at all.

Overall, the research suggests that structural family therapy is an effective treatment for a variety of issues. If you are struggling with any of these issues, it may be worth considering this type of therapy.

Working on Structural Family Therapy

The working of structural family therapy is based on the interactions and relationships between family members. The therapist attempts to change how family members interact with each other, to improve communication and resolve conflict.

The therapist will first assess the family structure and then work with the family to identify problem areas. Once these problem areas have been identified, the therapist will help the family members to develop new ways of interacting with each other. This may involve changing roles within the family, or developing new rules and boundaries.

Throughout the working of this type of family therapy, the therapist will maintain a neutral position and will not take sides. The therapist will also encourage open communication between all family members.

If you are having difficulties within your family, then this type of family therapy may be able to help you. By working with a therapist, you can learn new ways of interacting with your family members and resolving conflict. This can lead to improved communication and greater harmony within the family.

How To Start Structural Family Therapy?

Getting started with this type of family therapy may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step is to find a therapist who specializes in this type of therapy. Once you’ve found a therapist, the next step is to begin attending sessions.

During this type of family therapy session, the therapist will work with you and your family to identify and change negative patterns of behavior. This may involve role-playing exercises or other activities designed to help you understand and change the way you interact with your family members.

These are some of the tips that one should consider before getting started with this type of family therapy:

Be Open To Try New Things

One of the most common reasons why people don’t seek out therapy is because they’re afraid of the unknown. If you’re feeling hesitant about this type of family therapy, it’s important to remember that change can be a good thing. Be open to trying new things and you may be surprised at how much this type of therapy can help you and your family.

Find A Qualified Therapist

Not all therapists are created equal. When you’re looking for a therapist who specializes in this type of family therapy, it’s important to find someone who is qualified and has experience working with families. The best way to find a qualified therapist is to ask around or do some research online.

Be Willing To Change

This type of family therapy is all about change. If you’re not willing to change, then this type of therapy is probably not for you. Remember, change can be difficult, but it’s often necessary to improve the way we interact with our families.

Try Referrals

One of the best ways to find a qualified therapist is to get referrals from people you trust. If you know someone who has had success with this type of family therapy, ask them for a referral. This can be an excellent way to find a therapist who is right for you and your family.

Be Patient

An important thing to remember about structural family therapy is that change takes time. Don’t expect miracles overnight. Be patient and trust the process. With time, you may be surprised at how much this type of therapy can help you and your family improve the way you interact with each other.

If you’re considering structural family therapy, these are just a few things to keep in mind. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to getting the most out of this type of therapy.

Conclusion

Structural family therapy can be an effective way to help families overcome challenges and improve communication. If you are considering this type of therapy, be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your therapist. With the right support, structural family therapy can help you build a stronger, more connected family.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about structural family therapy, please contact us. We would be happy to chat with you and answer any of your questions.

Hope this article was of help to you! If you are suffering from mental health disorders, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. We have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who can provide you with the tools and skills necessary for overcoming mental health disorders. Contact us today to schedule an online therapy or download our free Android or iOS app for more information.