What is structural family therapy?
Structural family therapy is a type of family counseling that views the family as a system. The goal of structural family therapy is to improve interactions between family members by restructuring the family system. This form of therapy is highly effective in helping families develop healthy communication patterns and resolve conflicts.
The therapist observes the family's routines, behaviors, and patterns. Then, they work with the family to make adjustments to the structure. These adjustments may include implementing boundaries, realigning sub-systems, or changing the hierarchy of power to improve family dynamics.
Dysfunction can result from failures in adjusting to changing circumstances. Dysfunction can alter the family structure, leading to stress and other issues. Boundaries that are too rigid or not strong enough can also cause difficulties within a family. Sometimes, the hierarchy of the family is misaligned due to sub-systems that form. The therapist can work with the family to explore what changes will foster more positive relationships and a healthier family environment.
What Does a Structural Family Therapist Do?
The role of the therapist in structural family therapy is to develop a strong, empathetic relationship with the family. The therapist acknowledges that family members are experts on their own family system. Their role is to join the family and work collaboratively to discover what strategies work best for them.
The therapist will observe and make note of the family's:
Structure
Dysfunctional patterns
Sub-groups (e.g., parent-to-child relationships, sibling dynamics)
Behaviors and habits
Through family counseling, the therapist will guide the family in altering boundaries and realigning sub-systems to foster cohesion, improved communication, and mutual understanding. The therapist also facilitates discussions that help family members explore what has been helpful or harmful for them in their relationships.
What happens in structural family therapy?
1. Family Mapping
The therapist will create a family map after observing the family. The map depicts the structure, sub-systems, and boundaries within the family. Family mapping helps the therapist and family members visualize and better understand how the family functions.
2. Realigning Sub-systems
Sub-systems exist within the family unit. This could be the relationship between a parent and child, the dynamic between two parents, or sibling relationships. Problems arise when sub-systems are misaligned or imbalanced.
For example, if a mother and son feel like they are under attack from the father and daughter, it can create division. Through family counseling, the therapist helps realign these dynamics, ensuring that both parents work together rather than forming separate alliances within the family.
3. Creating Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for a healthy and cohesive family structure. For example, parents may need to set boundaries between themselves and their children so that parental authority is maintained while also allowing children to express themselves.
In the case of sibling conflicts, boundaries may involve parents not interjecting when their children have disagreements but instead teaching them how to resolve conflicts respectfully.
4. Unbalancing Dysfunctional Patterns
The therapist will gently challenge unhealthy patterns within the family, helping them regain stability and homeostasis. By identifying and breaking negative cycles, the family can develop healthier ways of relating to one another.
When Can Families benefit from structural family therapy?
Structural family therapy is beneficial for families experiencing:
High conflict and ongoing disagreements
A family member dealing with mental health challenges such as substance abuse, depression, or anxiety
Trauma or major life transitions
Divorce, separation, or remarriage
Blended family adjustments
Parenting struggles and intergenerational conflicts
How Family Counseling Can Strengthen Your Family
Family counseling, including structural family therapy, is an invaluable tool for improving family relationships. Here are some of the ways that structured therapy can help:
1. Enhancing Communication
One of the primary goals of family counseling is to improve how family members communicate. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings, lack of active listening, or ineffective expression of emotions. A therapist can teach communication techniques that enable family members to express themselves openly and respectfully.
2. Resolving Conflicts in a Healthy Manner
Family counseling helps families identify root causes of conflicts rather than just addressing surface-level disagreements. By understanding deeper emotional triggers, families can develop healthy conflict resolution strategies that work for everyone.
3. Strengthening Family Bonds
Through structured therapy sessions, families can strengthen emotional connections and build trust. When each member feels heard and valued, it fosters a more cohesive and supportive family unit.
4. Providing Tools for Managing Stress and Transitions
Major life transitions such as moving, job changes, financial stress, or loss of a loved one can disrupt family dynamics. Family counseling helps members cope with these changes and adapt in ways that minimize stress and maintain family stability.
Structural family therapy in houston, texas
At Neema Counseling, we offer family counseling tailored to meet the unique needs of each family in Houston, Texas and online throughout the state of Texas. Our team is experienced in structural family therapy techniques, helping families build healthier relationships and resolve conflicts.
Meet Barrosha Prescott
Barrosha Prescott integrates structural family therapy in her work with families. She believes in empowering families by helping them understand and improve their relationship dynamics. Barrosha strives to join families where they are and guide them toward greater harmony and resilience.
If you are interested in working with Barrosha to help your family become more cohesive, schedule a consultation today.
