1. What is the basis of pathology in marriage and family therapy? These pieces have usually been passed on in family over generations. First is poor relationships and/or boundaries. Second is an inability to adapt to changing environments (inside and outside the family system). Third is a lack of differentiation. Fourth is poor communications.

2. Discuss the definitions of structure and function of the system. Structure is the function organization of families that determine how they interact. It provides a way for functioning and interacting.

The function of the family system is to maintain equilibrium or homeostasis. Kids will try to do things to balance the system.

3. Discuss the basic fundamentals of family therapy treatment. First is dealing with the resistance to change. One way is by joining the family. Second is to encourage clients to be themselves during treatment. Third is to encourage them to relate to eaxch other in healthy ways. Fourth is to convey caring and respect for the family. Fifth is to change interactions in the family (enactment – the use of directives is very widespread in counseling.). Marriage and family counselors can be very active. Sixth is to change meaning (understand what an action or event means to the family and change that in order to help them). Seventh is to change unhealthy family structures and hierarchies. Carl Whittaker did that in the Family Crucible when he wrestled with the young boy.

4. Discuss the contemporary issues over the past 10 years. First, in the 1960s and 1970s, marriage and family counseling was starting to blossom, and this led to warring factions. In the 1980s and 1990s, there was strong competition between all the groups. But then, they started to loosen up and share among themselves. This led to more integration of theories and more cooperation. Second, there was a re-focus on the personal experiences of individual family members. Third, there was a reemphasis on focusing on the emotions of individuals and families. Fourth, there was a realization of the impact of larger systems. All systems are important. Fifth, there was an ignorance about gender, race, and ethnicity.

5. Discuss postmodernism. In the 1980s, modernism said that truth is objective truth. Postmodernism says that subjective truth is experienced differently by each individual, and it focuses on the point of view of each person. A number of criticisms have resulted over postmodernism for the Marriage and Family Counselor. First is the loss of faith in truth and objectivity. Second is a movement to deconstruct the established theory and rebuild. Third is the disillusionment of the expert. Suddenly, helping others is not rocket science. Fourth is an interest in the generation of meaning (asking the family what a particular event or thing means to them). Fifth is an interest in diversity and pluralism (more of a focus on race, gender, and ethnicity).

6. Discuss the Milan group therapy and postmodernism. The Milan Therapy Group originated in Milan, Italy, came from postmodernism, and was very much liked by the counseling community. First, it represented a release or relief from the aggressive American approach to counseling. Second, the counselor no longer had to be powerfully persuasive or clever to be effective. Third, therapists could explore and ask family questions before actually doing something. Fourth, the Milan Group was more open to using the techniques of any group. They focused on technique and on what worked.

				Tom of Bethany

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