Approaches to work with Families

Intervening in the family system is intended to change the family, and in

doing so, change the life each of its members (Nichols & Schwartz, 1998, p.
6).
Process oriented and structural transaction approaches
i) Cognitive behavioral family therapy is based on the work of
Ellis(1978) and Beck (1976). The focus is on behavior and cognition,
the intent of which is to help the family to modify specific patterns and
learn new behaviours. Learning new behavior is expected to alter the
process of circular or reciprocal sequences of behavior (Becvar&
Becvar, 2000a; Nichols, 2006).
ii)
Communication as an intervention approach aims to regulate
and modify family
communication patterns and alter communicational styles to promote
positive interactions and family relationships (Satir 1967). Expanding
on experiential family therapy (Whitaker, 1958), Satirs (1972) aim was
to reverse family complains about ech other, to find solutions, and to
have members focus on the positive. Her work augmented that of
communication therapist Jackson and Weakland (1961) who believed
that family unit was implicated in the family problems and that all
families develop patterns of communicating, some of which were
problematic.
iii) Family systems, Murray Bowen (1960) seeks to reduce anxiety and
symtoms by resolving multigenerational issues that intrude upon
individuals ability to balance emotional and intellectual functioning,
intimacy and autonomy, and interpersonal relatons (Goldenberg &
Golderberg, 2004). Major technigue includes the Genogram, a tool
used to depict relationships and help family members use I positions.
Family memebers are also encouraged to understand their own role
and that of extanded family members as part of family problems
(Nicols, 2006).
iv) Solution-Focused, practice with families emerged from the work of
de Shazer and Berg. The approach was developed as an alternative to
problem focus therapy in which the focus of treatment was on the
families failed attempts to solve problems. The solution-focused
approach directs the energy of the family or couple towards exceptions
to the problems and ultimately its solutions (de Shazer & Berg, 1993:
Berg, 1994). A core assumption of the approach is that solutions and

exceptions create new narratives and they serve as potent forces that
motivate people towards change.
v) Structural Family Therapy, developed by Minuchin, is intended to
strengthen current family relationships, interactions and transactional
patterns. The approach emphasizes the wholeness of the family that
is, its hierarchical organization and the interdependent functioning of
sub-systems (Goldenberg @ Goldenberg, 2004, p.212; Minuchin,
1974). Because of its primary focus on improving family relationships,
structural therapy pays attention to boundaries alignments in the
family system, and power, using the resources and power inherent in
families to effect change.
vi) Task-centered work with families follows the basic tenets and
procedures as work with individuals. The focus with family is the
resolution of specific concerns acknowledge by the family unit (Reit &
Fortune, 1985). The model draws from the relevant contributions of
other theoretical frameworks of family therapy for ex., the
communications, structural and behavioural approaches. Family
problems tend to be framed as interactional in nature; potential goals
and task are developed by family members for the unit as a whole
and / or foe individual members (Reit, 1966). Increasing the familys
ability to work is a key element of the task-centered approach. Family
sessions may involve, for ex., role play to help members accomplish
this goal.
Structure-functionalism
The modern advocate of the SF school of thought is Talcott Parsons
(Structure of Social Action, 1937).
Individuals do not exist in isolation from each other, but rather interact
within social systems(1951). Family is not an independent society but
rather a subsystem of society. Family roles are interrelated with roles in
other societal structures. Parsons viewed that nuclear family is a
consequence of differentiation on hierarchy, power and functions. This
evolutionary view of family led to generalization in family sociology that
as society industrialises and urbanises, the extended family withers away
(Goodes, UN Statistical Office, 1959).
Burch (1967) noted that extended families predominate in rural than in
urban areas. Goodes position was that the influence of capitalism around
the world has led to the nucleation of the family in the western and the
non-western societies alike.
The economic and technological changes have led to emergence of varied
family forms throughout the world. Mechanization, electric power, higher

educations have all helped to reduce dependence on human muscle

power. It has led to higher rates of divorce, singlehood, childless
marriages, postponement of marriage etc.