This workshop provides a framework for application of family systems concepts to client assessments, and outlines the central interventions of creating a research approach, detriangling, questions that invite differentiation and focussing on emotional process . The family Systems diagnosis (first outlined by Kerr & Bowen & expanded by Carter and McGoldrick) will be introduced as providing a guide to the direction of therapy and as an aid to help the therapist to maintain a thinking framework amidst the complexity and anxiety of a therapy session.
Topics covered include assessment of central triangles, levels of chronic anxiety, triggers of reactivity, family adaptiveness, degree of emotional cut off, extended family stability, socio-cultural issues and family life cycle phase.
Stage 1: Calming the system.
Therapist self- regulation
Is anxiety contained enough for a degree of objectivity to be achieved?
Structurally calming the anxiety in the room
Staying out of triangles.
Avoiding therapist over responsibility.
Stage 2: Nuclear Family issues/ present focus.
Facilitating the learning about self in the system.
Structure of sessions
The research attitude.
Maintaining collaboration & inviting differentiation.
De-triangling - as a way of thinking
Use of questions as a way of engaging and opening up client systems awareness
Exploring emotional process over problem content.
Displacement stories... use of self disclosure.
Encouraging I messages and taking an I position
End of session feedback from therapist and client
Stage 3: Expanding the view to previous generations.
Using the genogram in therapy
The clients choice to focus on their family of origin
