Comparing Structural and Strategic Family Therapy Approaches

Because of the large amount of overlap in assessing the given family from a structural and strategic point of view, only the differences and additional requirements will be described in the following section. The main areas of differences relate to the overall therapeutic focus and the discussion of power. From a strategic point of view, problems serve as a function therefore the differences in assessment will not focus on shifts in power or hierarchy but will assess what purpose each issue serves. Additionally, viewing the family from a strategic point of view, each problem mustn’t be addressed as its own entity but all issues/concerns can be traced back to the presenting problem. The assessment, therefore, becomes part of the therapeutic

Unlike structural where all aspects and interaction are circular and perpetuate the overall issues, strategic looks only at the presenting problem and seeks to change only behaviors that are symptomatic. When viewing this family from a strategic viewpoint, Kay’s substance use would be the presenting problem. After identifying the presenting problem we can further assess the problem affects other areas for concern to gain information of how to change its problematic symptoms. Because issue 1) Issues/concerns related to identified person (I.P.) (Kay) substance use, is, in itself, the presenting problem, we can assume that it is responsible for all other areas of concern and determine how the problem has created purpose in those areas. Kay’s substance has most like come to serve multiple functions for both her and other members of the family. As it relates to consistent living, Kay’s substance use allows her to free herself of the worries and consequences that are typically associated with such an unstable life style. Foe Brenda, Kay’s substance use allows her to have time off from Kay and ensure more room in the home for Renee. In relation to vocational issues, Kay’s substance use reducing guilt, anxiety, and worry over social acceptability from not having steady employment. For Brenda it allows her to become use to certain income and plan around said income to ensure all of her and Renee’s needs

It is at this point where you would begin to explore the issues with the family. In the current family, I would use many of your basic counseling techniques as well as borrowing techniques from structural such as circular questioning and enactment. I would allow the family to discuss their emotions and how they feel about the identified problem; Kay’s substance use. I would also explore how Kay’s substance use affects each of the issues/concerns listed in this study. After exploring all of these issues I would attempt to use one of the most common strategic techniques which would be reframing. I would attempt to reframe Kay’s use, not as an unsolvable problem that has ruined her life, but as a common illness that effects many people and can be effectively treated. I would reframe the on and off again living situation in a way that showed that no matter how bad things, Kay always comes home. I would reframe Kay’s unemployment as an opportunity to seek more vocational training or the opportunity for a new beginning. There are many aspects of the relationships that could be reframed and I would work with the family to not focus on the negative effects of Kay’s use but to concentrate on the fact that all members have come together and are trying to move forward. The continued prenatal care can be affirmed and appreciated. Through segmenting with Kay individually, we could discuss that though Kay had vague