Family Systems Theory Paper

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The practice of family therapy is heavily influenced by the systems theory perspective. Systems theory views the individual’s present environment and the intergenerational family system as the base from which psychological and relational problems arise (Corey, Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2015). The systems perspective views the family as a functioning unit as opposed to individuals functioning independently void of any collective or interconnected influences. It recognizes that the actions of any individual family member will influence all other members. Thus, the client’s problem could be a symptom of the functionality of the family unit. Therefore, if I had a family as clients, I would ask circular questions that will allow me to questions the relationships within the family. This form of questioning will allow the family to learn of the connections between their behaviors and where they differ. Hence, this form of questioning is designed to focus on the relational dynamics within a family in order to outline the structure of the relationships and to emphasize their circular nature (Fleuridas, Nelson, & Rosenthal, 1986). For example, some of the questions I would ask to help them express their distress are: 1.) What is the problem in the family now? 2.) What concerns bring you into therapy now? 3.) What is the main concern of the family now? …show more content…

There are two boys ages 17 and 12 and a girl age 18 that are having difficulty getting along. As a result, they constantly argue and often have disagreements. The 17 and 18 year old believes each other receive preferential treatment from their parents. The 12 year old believes he is always the blame for anything that goes wrong in the family. The mother has difficulty communicating with her 18 year old daughter and the father feels the mother spoils their

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