Midterm Flashcards
(30 cards)
Define “Family Therapy”
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family.
What is the purpose of Family Therapy?
Identify and treat problems that cause dysfunction. Improve in specific areas like communication and problem-solving skills.
Ours is a culture that celebrates uniqueness of the individual and the search for an autonomous self. (T or F)
Though we are each born into a family, the influence of our family upbringing is escapable. (T or F)
Early theorist chose to blame individual struggles as an outgrowth of poor parenting or parent traits. (T or F)
What were the most instrumental influences on the creation of the Family Therapy approach?
Name two of the most important concepts of small group dynamics that influence Family Therapy.
What was Sigmund Freud’s approach when working with individuals as it related to the family?
What was the goal of the therapy approach Carl Roger’s developed?
Define “Self Actualization”
The practice of treating psychological problems in the context of the family did not actually begin until the mid 1960’s. (T or F)
Define Family Therapy
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family.
What is the purpose of Family Therapy
Identify and treat problems that cause dysfunction. Improve in specific areas like communication and problem-solving skills.
When is Family Therapy recomended
- When a family member has schizophrenia or suffers from another severe psychosis. Helps family understand the disorder.
- Families deviate from social normal (single parents, gay couples, etc)
- Members come from mixed racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds
- One member is being scapegoated
- A blended family
- Problems cross generational boundaries
What are the advantages of Family Therapy as compared to Individual Counseling
In what circumstances may Family Therapy not be recommended choice?
- One of both parents is psychotic or has been diagnosed with antisocial or paranoid personality discorder
- Cultural or religious values are opposed to, or suspicions of psychotherapy
- Some family members cannot participate in treatment sessions because of illness or other physical limitations
- Individuals have rigid personality structure and might be at risk for an emotional or psychological crisis (example: domestic violence)
- Members cannot or will not be able to meet regularly for treatment
- The family is unstable or on the verge of a break-up
Define the ‘Family Systems” approach of Family Therapy
- An approach that regards the entire family as the unit of treatment and emphasizes such factors as relationships and communication patterns rather than traits or symptoms in individual members.
- Individual is understood best in context of the family
- Families have a structure (how it is organized) and functions (how it meets member’s needs)
How does a Family System Terapist define a “healthy” family
Healthy families have a clear, flexible power structure with the most competent members having the most power.
Define Dysfunctinal as it relates to the family
Families are often disengaged (isolated from one another) or enmeshed (overly involved with one another)
Define Interconnectedness
Define Boundaries
Define Homeostasis
Define Feedback Loop
Define Open System
