Posted: August 27th, 2024

Structural Family Therapy v. Strategic Family Therapy

Walden University
NRNP-6650

Structural Family Therapy v. Strategic Family Therapy
Introduction
Structural family therapy and strategic family therapy are essential therapies in addressing multiple family challenges. The role of therapists in structural family therapy is to understand how families operate (Lebow, 2019). In strategic therapy, counsellors utilize different approaches to trigger the change families require for a healthy interaction. Structural and strategic family therapies are essential in addressing behavioral challenges among families. The two models are effective despite their strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of the paper is to examine the structural and strategic family therapies, their differences, similarities, strengths and weaknesses, and a structural family map. Additionally, understanding the nuances of each approach can help therapists tailor their interventions to meet the unique needs of each family. By examining the theoretical underpinnings of each model, therapists can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play in family systems.

Summary of Key Points
Structural family therapy involves understanding the structures, engagements, and disengagements in families. The role of therapists in structural family therapy is to understand how families operate. Therapy disrupts poor relationships and promotes healthy engagements (Nichols & Davis, 2020). It argues that the problem or solution to a family is with all the individuals and not a single person. Therapy seeks to change the relationships among family members to catalyze change (Lebensohn‐Chialvo, 2019). The change in families is also in gradual steps that lead to the elimination of negative behavior or interactions. Furthermore, structural family therapy emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and establishing a hierarchical structure within the family. This approach can be particularly effective in addressing issues related to parenting and discipline. By establishing a clear chain of command, families can reduce conflict and improve communication.

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Strategic family therapy focuses on strategies that determine the operation of a family. The strategies include practices and activities that can trigger positive or negative change. For instance, communication is an essential element in the family system (Lebensohn‐Chialvo, 2019). Therapists utilize different approaches to trigger the change families require for a healthy interaction. It involves strategies such as setting objectives and attaining positive outcomes. The therapist strives to analyze the challenges facing their clients. For instance, a therapist will identify the flaws and strengths that operate in families (Lebensohn‐Chialvo, 2019). Counselors will use the strengths they identify in the families to promote positive change. Moreover, strategic family therapy recognizes that families are dynamic systems that are influenced by a range of factors, including social, cultural, and economic contexts. By taking a holistic approach, therapists can help families develop strategies that are tailored to their unique circumstances.
Comparison
Strategic family therapy argues that families are affected by real problems such as low-income which can lead to dysfunction. Structural family therapy indicates that the problems families experience are symptoms of underlying issues (Weaver et al., 2019). According to the structural family therapy, relationships among the family members change when structures in the families change (Nichols & Davis, 2020). The strategic family model argues that change in families is a gradual process that can lead to successful relationships. Both structural and strategic family therapies focus on issues affecting families, including communication, dysfunction, and relationships (Weaver et al., 2019). The two models indicate that external forces can affect the functionality of family relationships or structures. Additionally, both approaches recognize the importance of empowering family members to take an active role in the therapeutic process. By doing so, families can develop a sense of agency and control over their own lives.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Structural and strategic family therapies are essential in addressing behavioral challenges among families. The two models can effectively address maladaptive behaviors in family members, such as drug and substance abuse (Lebow, 2019). Research shows that therapists can utilize the approaches to enhance the quality of relationships among dysfunctional families (Lebow, 2019). One of the weaknesses of the approaches is that they do not consider other factors that affect families, such as emotions. Furthermore, structural family therapy can be limited in its ability to address issues related to power dynamics and social inequality. Strategic family therapy, on the other hand, may overlook the importance of establishing clear boundaries and consequences. By acknowledging these limitations, therapists can develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in family therapy.

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Structural family therapy is effective in addressing challenges in parenting roles. A hierarchical approach helps family members to respect authorities (Lebow, 2019). For instance, children are taught to respect the authority of their parents. It helps parents to know they should develop a common approach to addressing issues in the families (Nichols & Davis, 2020). The structural approach is suitable in helping members to visualize the problems that cause dysfunction. Additionally, structural family therapy can be effective in addressing issues related to sibling conflict and rivalry. By establishing clear expectations and consequences, parents can reduce conflict and promote a more harmonious family environment.

Structural family therapy requires the participation of all the family members. If one member does not participate the therapy may be unsuccessful. The model ignores nuclear families with a different structure (Weaver et al., 2019). Conversely, strategic family therapy focuses on relationships among family members. Therapists criticize the approach since it is narrow does not consider all the factors that lead to family problems. Moreover, strategic family therapy may overlook the importance of addressing systemic issues, such as poverty and racism, that can impact family functioning. By acknowledging these limitations, therapists can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved in family therapy.
Conclusion
Families require different approaches to address their dysfunctional issues. Structural and strategic family therapies address significant issues affecting families. Structural family therapy involves understanding the structures, engagements, and disengagements in families. Strategic family therapy focuses on strategies that determine the operation of a family. The two models can effectively address maladaptive behaviors in family members, such as drug and substance abuse. The approaches have significant strengths and weaknesses that affect the decision of the therapists. It calls for a better understanding of the models to ensure effective utilization to address family issues. Ultimately, the most effective approach will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of each family.

Structural Family Map
Structural family therapy is essential for families experiencing differences in disciplining their children and the behaviors to tolerate. For instance, a family of four is experiencing challenges of substance and drug abuse and failure to report to school. Linda Huz, 38, is married to Jimmy Huz, 40, and together they have two daughters. Allain, 18, and Alie, 16, have been going out to night clubs with a group of boys and girls. The mother believes it is part of a stage of growth while the father believes they should restrict the girls. The dysfunctional family will cause a coalition between the father and the daughters who have the support of their mother. Figure 1.1 below shows a structural family map.

References:

Lebensohn‐Chialvo, F., Rohrbaugh, M. J., & Hasler, B. P. (2019). Fidelity failures in brief strategic family therapy for adolescent drug abuse: a clinical analysis. Family Process, 58(2), 305-317.

Lebow, J. L. (2019). Current issues in the practice of integrative couple and family therapy. Family Process, 58(3), 610-628.

Nichols, M., & Davis, S. D. (2020). The essentials of family therapy (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Weaver, A., Greeno, C. G., Fusco, R., Zimmerman, T., & Anderson, C. M. (2019). “Not Just One, It’s Both of Us”: Low-Income Mothers’ Perceptions of Structural Family Therapy Delivered in a Semi-rural Community Mental Health Center. Community Mental Health Journal, 55(7), 1152-1164.

Gurman, A. S., & Lebow, J. L. (2022). Couple and family therapy: An integrative approach. Routledge.

Hanna, S. M., & Brown, J. H. (2023). The practice of family therapy: Key elements across models. Routledge.

Karam, E. A., & Blow, A. J. (2024). Common factors in couple and family therapy: A review of the literature. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 50(1), 34-48.

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Tags: Family dynamics, family therapy, Strategic family therapy, Structural family therapy