Important Questions for IGNOU PGDCFT MSCCFT MCFT003 Exam with Main Points for Answer - Unit 10 Solution Focused and Strategic Family Therapy

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Unit 10 Solution Focused and Strategic Family Therapy

1. What are the main principles of solution focused family therapy?

Following are the main principles of solution focused family therapy:

i) Clients have resources and strengths to resolve complaints,

ii) Change is constant,

iii) The therapist's job is to identify and amplify change,

iv) It is usually unnecessary to know a great deal about the complaint to in order to resolve it,

v) It is not necessary to know the cause or function of a complaint change to resolve it,

vi) A small change is all that is necessary,

vii) Clients define the goal,

viii) Rapid change or resolution of problems is possible,

ix) There is no one "right" way to view things, and

x) Focus on what is possible and changeable rather what is impossible and intractable.

2. List the types of questions usually asked in solution focused family therapy.

The various types of questions asked in solution focussed family therapy are given below:

i) Goal defining questions,

ii) Problem definition,

iii) Exception questions,

iv) Existing resource questions,

v) Miracle questions,

vi) Scaling questions,

vii) Advantage questions, and

viii) Coping questions.

3. List the various techniques that are used in solution focused family therapy

Following are the various techniques that are used in solution focused family therapy:

i) Introducing uncertainty,

ii) Framing questions,

iii) Reframing problem definitions,

iv) Problem solving techniques,

v) Matching the client's language,

vi) Channeling the client's language,

vii) Normalising and depathologising,

viii) Goal setting, and

ix) Fast-forwarding questions

4. What are the various steps of therapeutic process in solution focused family therapy?

Therapeutic process in solution focused family therapy follows following steps:

i) Finding out about the client's life,

ii) Gathering a brief description of the problem behaviours,

iii) Asking relationship questions to help the client define socially constructed nature of the problem,

iv) Tracking solution behaviour or exceptions to the problem,

v) Scaling the problems,

vi) Using coping and motivation questions to assess how the client perceives they are coping and to determine their motivation for change,

vii) Asking the miracle question to develop solutions,

viii) Negotiating the goal for change,

ix) Taking a session break for reflection, development of compliments and formulation of a set of behavioural tasks,

x) Delivering compliments and tasks, and

xi) Summation message.

5. Define Sequence of behaviour.

Sequence of behaviour can be defined as the communication patterns in the family in present situation.

6. Define Neutrality.

Neutrality can be defined as avoiding side taking or being partial to family members and maintaing neutral position.

7. Define Hypothesization.

Hypothesization means defining the problem or giving a tentative explanation about what function the symptoms are serving in the family context.

8. List the techniques used in strategic family therapy .

Following are the various techniques used in strategic family therapy:

i) Reframing,

ii) Out-positioning,

iii) Paradoxical interventions,

iv) Symptom prescription,

v) Restraining techniques,

vi) Positive connotation, and

vii) Rituals.

9. What are the stages of strategic family therapy, according to Milan group?

According to Milan group, strategic family therapy has following stages:

i) Pre-session,

ii) Session,

iii) Intersession,

iv) Intervention, and

v) Post-session.

10. How will you differentiate between solution focused family therapy and strategic family therapy?

Solution-focused family therapy (SFFT) and strategic family therapy (SFT) are both brief, goal-oriented approaches to family therapy. However, there are some key differences between the two:

Focus: SFFT focuses primarily on solutions, while SFT focuses on changing problematic interaction patterns. SFFT therapists help families identify and amplify existing solutions, while SFT therapists develop strategies to interrupt and modify dysfunctional interactions.
Problem Definition: SFFT therapists do not spend much time defining the problem, believing that it is not necessary to know a great deal about the problem to resolve it. SFT therapists, on the other hand, are more interested in understanding how the problem is maintained by the family system.
Role of the Past: SFFT therapists rarely focus on the past, instead focusing on the present and future. SFT therapists may explore the past to understand how the problem developed, but the focus remains on changing current interaction patterns.
Therapist Directiveness: SFFT therapists are generally less directive than SFT therapists. SFFT therapists ask questions to help families discover their own solutions, while SFT therapists may give more direct instructions or assignments.

11. How are the techniques used in solution focused family therapy different from the techniques used in strategic family therapy?

Solution-focused family therapy (SFFT) and strategic family therapy (SFT) utilise different techniques, reflecting their divergent approaches to change. SFFT centres on solutions, employing techniques that empower families to identify and amplify existing strengths and resources. SFT, conversely, targets problematic interactions, using techniques designed to disrupt and modify dysfunctional patterns.

SFFT techniques emphasise collaboration and empowerment:

Introducing uncertainty: The therapist gently challenges the family's perception of the problem, encouraging a shift in perspective.
Framing questions: The therapist asks questions that guide the family towards solutions, highlighting exceptions to the problem and focusing on desired outcomes.
Normalising and depathologising: The therapist helps the family view their struggles as common and manageable, reducing shame and fostering hope.
Goal setting: The therapist and family collaboratively establish clear, specific, and achievable goals for therapy, providing direction and motivation.

These techniques encourage families to recognise their own capabilities and generate solutions that align with their unique strengths.

SFT techniques, on the other hand, are more directive and strategic, aimed at interrupting problematic interactions:

Reframing: The therapist provides an alternative interpretation of the problem, changing its meaning and diminishing its power.
Paradoxical interventions: The therapist instructs the family to engage in the problematic behaviour, creating a paradox that can lead to change.
Symptom prescription: The therapist encourages the continuation or intensification of the symptom, often leading to its decrease as it loses its function.

These interventions aim to disrupt the family's established patterns and create an opportunity for new, more functional interactions to emerge.

Both SFFT and SFT seek to facilitate positive change within families. Their differing approaches are reflected in the distinct techniques employed, highlighting the diverse landscape of family therapy.

12. Write a note on assumptions of solution focused family therapy and strategic family therapy.

Solution-focused family therapy (SFFT) and strategic family therapy (SFT) operate under distinct assumptions about the nature of problems and the process of change.

Solution-Focused Family Therapy

Clients possess inherent resources and strengths: SFFT views clients as capable and resilient, possessing the innate ability to resolve their challenges. The therapist's role is to help clients access and utilize these strengths.
Change is inevitable: SFFT emphasises the dynamic nature of life, highlighting that change is a constant process. Therapists encourage clients to recognise and embrace the potential for positive change.
Focus on solutions, not problems: SFFT prioritises identifying and amplifying existing solutions rather than dwelling on problem analysis. Therapists guide clients to recognise and expand upon what is already working.
Small changes can have a significant impact: SFFT believes that even small changes can create a ripple effect, leading to broader positive transformations within the family system.
Clients define the goals: SFFT empowers clients to determine their own therapeutic goals, fostering a sense of agency and ownership over the change process.

Strategic Family Therapy

Functionality of families: SFT views all families as functional in their own unique ways, even when struggling with challenges.
Social context influences problems: SFT recognises that problems arise within a social context, involving interactions between multiple individuals.
Hierarchical structure with parental authority: SFT emphasises the importance of a clear hierarchy within the family, with parents holding more power than children.
Symptom-oriented therapy: SFT focuses on addressing presenting symptoms, viewing them as tactics individuals use to manage interactions within the family system.
Symptoms serve a function: SFT believes that problems serve a purpose within the family system, maintaining a sense of balance or stability.
Therapist-directed change: SFT places the therapist in a directive role, responsible for developing strategies to guide the family towards change.
Emphasis on process over content: SFT prioritises understanding the family's interaction patterns (process) rather than the specific details of their problems (content).
Family life cycle influences dysfunction: SFT considers the family life cycle as a framework for understanding challenges, suggesting that families can become stuck at certain stages.
Families operate under rules: SFT views families as systems governed by often unspoken rules that shape their interactions.
Focus on the present: SFT concentrates on current interaction patterns rather than dwelling on past history or emotional expression.

SFFT and SFT hold distinct assumptions about the nature of change and the role of the therapist. SFFT emphasises client strengths and empowerment, while SFT takes a more directive and strategic approach.

13. Explain theoretical models in strategic family therapy.

Several theoretical models underpin strategic family therapy (SFT):

Communication Theory: Drawing on the work of Watzlawick and colleagues (1974), this model posits that communication patterns within a family system can contribute to the development and maintenance of problems. Strategic therapists focus on identifying and modifying dysfunctional communication sequences to facilitate change.
Cybernetic Model: This framework emphasises the role of feedback loops in maintaining problematic behaviours. Strategic therapists identify these feedback loops and intervene to disrupt them, promoting new, healthier patterns of interaction. For instance, a child’s tantrums may elicit parental attention, inadvertently reinforcing the behaviour. The therapist might help the parents change their responses to break this cycle.
Structural Model: This model, influenced by Minuchin's work, highlights the significance of family hierarchies and boundaries in shaping interactions. Strategic therapists assess the family's structure and intervene to adjust boundaries or hierarchies to promote healthier functioning. For example, if a child has excessive influence over parental decisions, the therapist might help the parents reassert their authority.
Functional Model: This framework suggests that symptoms often serve a function within the family system, maintaining stability or equilibrium, even if dysfunctional. Strategic therapists aim to uncover the function of the symptom and develop interventions that address the underlying family dynamics. For example, a child's school refusal might distract parents from marital conflict. The therapist would work to address the marital issues, potentially alleviating the child's need to act out.

Each model provides a distinct lens through which to view family dynamics and inform strategic interventions. Therapists often draw on multiple models to tailor their approach to the specific needs of the family.

Important Points

i) Solution focused family therapy is pragmatic.

ii) The roots of solution focused family therapy developed at Mental Research Institute (MRI).

iii) The main objective of SFFT is focus on the process of change rather than dissecting the problem.

iv) The main assumption of solution focussed family therapy is that creating a detailed picture of what it will be like when life is better, creates a feeling of hope and makes the solutions seem possible.

v) Strategic family therapy is based on strategy.

vi) In strategic family therapy all families are viewed as functional for their unique perspective.

vii) Structural reorganisation is not the primary goal of strategic family therapy.

viii) Emphasis is given on here and now rather than past history

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