Salvador Minuchin and Family Structural Theory:
Salvador Minuchin established family structural theory, which is founded on the concept that a family is a distinct social entity with its own communication patterns and structure (Miller, 2011). Because the theory regards the family as an integrated entity, it focuses on the interactions among family members in order to create a knowledge of the family structure or organization (Miller, 2011).
Family Functioning in Second Marriages:
Families formed as a consequence of second marriages can learn to function as a unit in a variety of ways by employing family structure theory. Because second marriage families are made up of people who have had various reactions to their first marriages, it sometimes becomes challenging for the family members to speak in one voice or agree on various family issues (Miller, 2011).
Therapeutic Techniques for Second Marriage Families:
The family structural theory provides various therapeutic techniques that can be used by structural family therapists in transforming communication systems and patterns at the family level. Second marriages sometimes involve the continuous shifting of family responsibilities. For instance, children or parents may have varying behavioral patterns or different loyalties to the family unit or one another. Such challenges sometimes lead to stress and eventually develop into dysfunctional family relationships (Miller, 2011).
Observation and Evaluation in Structural Family Therapy:
The family structural theory, therefore, makes it possible for structural family therapists to become temporary members of second marriage families as a means of observing and evaluating family interactions to determine unhealthy communication patterns and assist in creating a more productive and unified level of family interaction (Miller, 2011). The benefit of the family structural theory is that structural therapists do not have to listen to an individual family member's opinion. Instead, the therapist takes time to observe family interactions to have a better understanding of the issues affecting the family and provide more informed and workable option of making the family function as one (Miller, 2011).
Benefits of Family Structural Theory for Second Marriage Families:
Therefore, the family structural theory is of great help to families created following second marriages since it gives family structural therapists an opportunity to assess the level and pattern of interaction in such families and devise communication strategies that can make members of such families have a more productive relationship. As a result, members of families created following second marriages can learn to resolve their problems, as well as adjust and adapt to their new family responsibilities, thereby making them work collectively and as a unit.
References
Miller, A. (2011). Instructor’s Manual for Salvador Minuchin on Family Therapy. Psychotherapy, 4-40. Retrieved from https://www.psychotherapy.net/data/uploads/5113e45715ce5.pdf
