family systems therapy from a christian perspective

8/10/2019 Family Systems Therapy From a Christian Perspective

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Family Systems Therapy from a Christian Perspective

Family Systems Therapy

The umbrella of theories under the Family Systems Therapy group focuses on

communication patterns within the family unit. Systems theory is based on the

familys response to feedback from one another and the desire of the group to make

changes to maintain homeostasis. A number of theories exist based on various

approaches, interestingly enough the field of systems therapy developed out of the

study of schiophrenic patients and the family relationships they had. A problem

identified as the double bind led researchers to consider the impact of family

interactions in individual development and mental health while in the context of the

family unit.

Alfred Alder was the first therapist to use family therapy in a systemic

approach. Following him, !urray "owen developed and is known for his

intergenerational approach to resolving problems in the family unit. #e focuses on

differentiation of self for individuals to reduce the chance for enmeshment, which

occurs when family members become attached and involved in each others lives to

an unhealthy degree. Triangulation is another unhealthy interaction of family

members identified by "owen. $n this situation, problems between two members of a

family become too intense and a third family member is brought into the situation to

redirect the tension. This is often observed in counseling with a child being brought

in as the identified patient when really he is acting out in response to the marital

schism or marital skew of his parents.

%ther aspects of "owens theory of family systems include the family

pro&ection process where problems are redirected or pro&ected onto a healthy family


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member. 'motionally cutting off family members is another techni(ue used by

families as they try to maintain homeostasis and reduce the impact of either an overly

dysfunctional or an overly healthy family member. $n either case, the family member

who is not conforming threatens the family normalcy.

Another contributor to the systems therapy approach is Salvador !inuchin

who developed Structural Family Therapy. $n this theory, the focus is on establishing

boundaries, identifying alignments, and determining coalitions as a means to

explaining the structure of the family. The determination of rules or boundaries

determines how the family is organied. Families who have permeable boundaries

indicate an enmeshed system where rigid boundaries indicate a family that is

disengaged and uninvolved.

An often)used techni(ue of "owenian therapy is genograms, which is also

used in a less specific way in Structural Therapy. This family mapping provides not

only a diagram of family bloodlines, but also includes symbols to indicate present and

past relationships between members. Therapists also seek to accommodate and &oin

the family in their struggles. This techni(ue helps to develop a sense of safety and

security during counseling which allows family members the opportunity to open up

and provide understanding about the family system.

*uring family therapy, counselors often re(uire all family members to be

present from the start of therapy in order to avoid the use of triangulation, pro&ection,

and blaming as a way to avoid addressing the real family issues. +ith all members in

one room, reactions, opinions, and recollections are available for all to see and

understand.

ay #aley developed the Strategic approach to family therapy with a focus on

power dynamics in relationships, communication, and symptoms. The focus on


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symptoms differentiates this approach from the structural approach. -oals are the

focus of the strategic approach with the therapist being the final determinate of the

purpose of therapy. Techni(ues used include straightforward tasks to help develop

success with solving problems and experiencing positive results. Additionally, this

therapy employs paradoxical techni(ues whereby the family is instructed to continue

with their current behavior that ultimately leads to the change of the family

interaction.

irginia Satir, known for her creativity and warmth, focused on self)worth and

bringing flexibility into rigid family structure to initiate change. %ne of the

contributions made by Satir was her identification of five styles of relating within the

family unit. /sing these styles, Satir determined how members of the family

contribute and maintain the dysfunction within the unit. Sculpting is one of the

techni(ues used with Satir therapy whereby the therapist has the family members

physically move into the position that mirrors the discord or fights that occur at

home. An example of this is for a husband to stand over his wife as she cowers on the

floor to show the actual effect of anger and yelling. This sculpting provides

awareness for the family of the effect of styles of relating and begins to bring change

to the family structure.

$n general, family systems therapy works to reduce family stress, help

members become more differentiated, and alter coalitions and alliances in the family

to bring about change. These focal points are determined through strategies to reach

goals in addition to develop new styles of resolving problems. Family systems theory

believes as members become healthy and differentiated the family unit begins to

change and adapt and in a healthy approach, this leads to better functioning and

relating between members.


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A difficulty with Family Systems therapy is the lack of dealing with individual

issues. The problem is addressed from the perspective of developing and resolving

interpersonal issues among family members. This approach has the possibility to

overlook issues that are uni(ue to one individual. A sense of personal perspective

may be lost as the therapist looks to understand the dyads, and subsystems within the

family unit.

Personal Evaluation

This is one form of therapy $ really find valuable. $t is broad enough to

incorporate numerous techni(ues and does not formalie itself in any particular way

except that it is family focused. "ecause it emphasies family units and the health of

inter)family relationships, $ find many elements of it (uite compatible with 0hristian

teachings. +hile it may not be ideally suited for individual counseling, it is full of

resources for issues where more than one family member may be involved. "ecause

so many marriages today end in divorce resulting in single parent homes, the family

systems model of therapy is extremely relevant in modern culture.

%ne particular element that $ believe is invaluable is the genograms. $ believe

that being able to see the 1big picture2 of ones family and all the connections

between individuals is an extremely useful tool to aid in family healing. !ost people

that $ have asked do not really know much about their family history and rarely have

ever constructed a genogram or even a family tree. /nderstanding ones place in the

greater context of an extended family can be a powerful enlightener to individuals and

provides a rich starting point when addressing maladaptive family dynamics.

Another aspect of the Systems approach $ appreciate is its emphasis on group

counseling. So much of the counseling process is orientated to the individual, that the

tremendous opportunities for growth that can come as a result of group interaction is


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often missed. "y having numerous group)centered techni(ues, systems therapy is a

useful tool in enhancing effective communication, the common ground necessary for

healing within the family unit. As a 0hristian, $ would utilie several components of

this model in my counseling practice.

family systems therapy from a christian perspective

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