Posted: October 16th, 2022

Structural Family Therapy v. Strategic Family Therapy

Structural Family Therapy v. Strategic Family Therapy

Walden University
NRNP-6650

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Strategic Family Therapy vs. Structural Family Therapy
Introduction
Structural family therapy and strategic family therapy are critical therapies for dealing with multiple family issues. Therapists in structural family therapy must understand how families function (Lebow, 2019). Counsellors use a variety of approaches in strategic therapy to effect the change that families require for healthy interaction. In order to address behavioral challenges in families, structural and strategic family therapies are required. Despite their differences, the two models are effective. The goal of this paper is to look at structural and strategic family therapies, as well as their differences, similarities, strengths and weaknesses, and a structural family map.
Key Points Synthesis
Understanding the structures, engagements, and disengagements in families is central to structural family therapy. Therapists in structural family therapy must first understand how families function. Therapy both disrupts and promotes healthy relationships (Nichols & Davis, 2020). It contends that the problem or solution to a family's problems lies with all of the individuals, not just one. Therapy aims to change family relationships in order to catalyze change (LebensohnChialvo, 2019). Change occurs in families in small steps that lead to the elimination of negative behavior or interactions.
Strategic family therapy focuses on the strategies that govern how a family operates. Practices and activities that can cause positive or negative change are included in the strategies. Communication, for example, is critical in the family system (LebensohnChialvo, 2019). Therapists use a variety of approaches to effect the change that families require for healthy interaction. It entails strategies such as goal setting and achieving positive outcomes. The therapist works hard to understand their clients' problems. A therapist, for example, will identify the flaws and strengths that exist in families (LebensohnChialvo, 2019). Counselors will use the family strengths they identify to promote positive change.
Comparison
According to strategic family therapy, real problems such as low income can lead to dysfunction in families. According to structural family therapy, the problems that families face are symptoms of underlying issues (Weaver et al., 2019). Relationships among family members change when family structures change, according to structural family therapy (Nichols & Davis, 2020). According to the strategic family model, family change is a gradual process that can lead to successful relationships. - UAE Best Dissertation Writing Help Service
Both structural and strategic family therapies focus on family issues such as communication, dysfunction, and relationships (Weaver et al., 2019). According to the two models, external forces can have an impact on the functionality of family relationships or structures.
Weaknesses and Strengths
In order to address behavioral challenges in families, structural and strategic family therapies are required. Both models are capable of effectively addressing maladaptive behaviors in family members, such as drug and substance abuse (Lebow, 2019). According to research, therapists can use the approaches to improve the quality of relationships in dysfunctional families (Lebow, 2019). One of the approaches' flaws is that they do not take into account other factors that affect families, such as emotions.
Structural family therapy is effective in addressing parenting role challenges. A hierarchical structure encourages family members to respect authorities (Lebow, 2019). For example, children are taught to respect their parents' authority. It informs parents that they should develop a shared approach to addressing family issues (Nichols & Davis, 2020). The structural approach is appropriate for assisting members in visualizing the problems that cause dysfunction.
All family members must participate in structural family therapy. If one member does not participate, the therapy may fail. Nuclear families with a different structure are excluded from the model (Weaver et al., 2019). Strategic family therapy, on the other hand, focuses on relationships between family members. Therapists criticize the approach because it is too narrow and does not consider all of the factors that contribute to family conflict.
The two models have strengths and weaknesses that can influence how therapists use them to address family issues. To achieve quality results, therapists must choose the best approach.
Conclusion
Different approaches are required to address dysfunctional family issues. Significant issues affecting families are addressed in structural and strategic family therapies. Understanding the structures, engagements, and disengagements in families is central to structural family therapy. Strategic family therapy focuses on the strategies that govern how a family operates. Both models are capable of effectively addressing maladaptive behaviors in family members, such as drug and substance abuse. The approaches have significant strengths and weaknesses that influence therapists' decisions. It calls for a better understanding of the models to ensure effective utilization to address family issues.
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. - UAE Best Dissertation Writing Help Service
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.