Introduction
The structural model is a simple way to look at the process of doing laundry and understand how it works. It is a simple representation of how all of your clothes are hung on hangers and then folded into their respective piles. This model is based on the client’s social environment, personality and internal working models, and their internal narratives or self-concept. The first part of this model is based on the family unit. The family unit consists of parents and children living together under one roof. Understanding that families are dynamic and can change over time is essential. For example, if one spouse dies, the family may split (Bodoe, 2021). The second part of this model is based on clients’ personalities and internal working models. These are things that we learn about ourselves through experience or observation. The third part of this model is based on what goes on inside our heads–our thoughts and feelings about us and others around us (or us alone).
Structural Therapy as a Systemic Model
Structural therapy is viewed as a systemic model and one of the most effective ways to treat trauma and trauma-related disorders. Structural therapy is based on the idea that a system in your body works together to keep you healthy, and when this system breaks down, you can experience symptoms (Schwartz & Goldsmith, 2019). Structural therapist help people identify these different systems and get them back into balance so they can heal themselves naturally.
When it comes to structural therapy, the way I think about it is like this: The human body is made up of four central systems: the nervous system, the skeletal system, the muscular system (also known as the peripheral nervous system), and the digestive system. Anytime something goes wrong with one of these schemes—whether it is what is happening with your nervous system, your skeletal system, or something else—it can lead to pain in other areas of your body. It is important for people suffering from trauma or trauma-related disorders to take steps toward rebalancing their bodies so they can heal more quickly and effectively.
Structural therapy focuses on treating the body as a system rather than just self-care or diet alone. It also encourages clients to work with a therapist to build strong relationships with others working toward wellness and healing. Structural therapy is a systemic model in that the therapist works to understand the patterns of the mind and body to create change (AAMFT). Structural therapists work with their patients to identify where they are stuck in their lives, then work together to find a solution that works for them. This can be done through several methods, including psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy (changing your thought patterns), or somatic approaches.
The Family Dynamics Portrayed in the Video
In the video Minuchin therapy session in unfolding the Laundry live therapy session, I see a family struggling with communication and conflict. I notice that a few different factors contribute to this: First, it appears that the family has not been using their time together wisely. They have been watching TV instead of talking or doing activities together. This can be detrimental to health because it decreases their ability to interact and understand each other’s needs (AAMFT). Second, there might be some cultural differences between parents and children. For example, while both sets of parents seem very nice and open-minded people who want what is best for everyone in their family, they have different expectations for how kids should behave around adults and vice versa.
The family dynamic is extremely complex and difficult to describe without sounding like an expert. However, I would say that one of the main things that make this family dynamic so fascinating is how it is not just about their unique heritage. It is also about how they are outsiders in a society that does not understand them or their culture—they are outsiders in their own families. They are forced to order to survive, and they have been doing so for centuries (Schwartz & Goldsmith, 2019). This video shows how much strength can come from adapting to something new, even when it means risking our safety and happiness—and it shows how important it is to be able to do so when we are confronted with such challenges.
The Role of Minuchin within the Family
The role of Minuchin with this family was to help them develop a more positive interaction with each other and their children. He explained that the family had been on a roller coaster of emotions and needed to learn how to have more stable relationships (Schwartz & Goldsmith, 2019). They would do this by learning to communicate better and solve problems together rather than fighting over them. In this session, Dr. Minuchin works on helping the family reframe their current situation, so they can start seeing things differently and find new ways to move forward (AAMFT). In this session, he works with a family who has recently been through a traumatic event, helping them to find their way forward (Minuchin, 2018).. He focuses on the feelings of grief and pain that are common in these situations, and provides them with a safe space to talk about it while they work together to find new ways to cope with their pain.
An Illustration of Concepts Using Examples from the Video:
- Boundaries: Minuchin creates a boundary by asking the clients if they have any questions reminding them that he is not in a position of authority. He also ensures to get the client’s input on his suggestions and refrain from making any final decisions until they have had a chance to discuss it (AAMFT). For example, after Minuchin has given the client feedback on their interpersonal skills, he says, “I am not going to make any decisions until you guys talk about it (Miyakuni, 2021). I want to know if you feel like this is something that we should work on together.”
- Hierarchies: Minuchin acknowledges the hierarchy in his interactions with the clients by referring to himself as “your friend” and calling his colleagues “co-therapists” or “colleagues.” He also ensures that he does not make independent decisions without consulting them first (AAMFT). For example, after Minuchin has given his colleague feedback on her interpersonal skills, she says, “I do not think I need more practice at this… but maybe if you thought about it some more….”
- Sub-systems: Minuchin could identify each individual’s needs and tailor the therapy session around them. He would ask questions about what they wanted and then focus on that. For example, he would ask if any other family members could help with the laundry or if there were things that needed to be done before their laundry was done (Bodoe, 2021). This allowed him to create a coalition where all the family members worked together toward a common goal—the laundry was done.
- Coalitions: Minuchin used his sociology expertise to identify the different types of coalitions within this family unit and work with them to foster better relationships between them. He could identify each member’s roles in the family unit and how they interacted with one another 9AAMFT). For example, he may notice that one member is more responsible for help and can work on encouraging these relationships by getting involved in conversations between them when necessary or offering advice when asked.
- Strengths: Minuchin’s approach to therapy focuses on helping clients find their strengths. He believes it is essential for clients to know what they have and then work to develop those skills. The video shows how he uses examples from his life to helping clients find their strengths (Bodoe, 2021). For instance, he talks about being a good listener and having empathy for others, which are strengths he developed over time as a therapist.
- Stages of development: Minuchin has the ability to see each person’s stages of development and how they relate to their current life situation. For example, when discussing that a client was struggling with making new friends versus keeping old ones, he acknowledged that this might be because of their particular stage of development (Lock, 2020). He explained: “When you are young and growing up, it is important for you to make new friends because then when you grow older, there will be people who can help you learn more about yourself.”
- Conclusion
- In my viewpoint, the aim of Minuchin was to help them establish a sense of control over their lives. He achieved this goal by helping the family understand how they could change their daily routines, including their work and personal interactions, to change how they felt about themselves and the world around them. Although it would take time to realize the change in the short-term, continuous practice of the prescribed will help in it realization.
References
AAMFT. (n.d.). Salvador Minuchin_Unfolding_The_Laundry.
Bodoe, A. S. (2021). Clinical Implications and Treatment of Online Infidelity Through a Natural Systems Perspective: A Critical Literature Review.
Lock, J. (2020). Adolescent-focused therapy for anorexia nervosa: a developmental approach. Guilford Publications.
Minuchin, S. (2018). Families and family therapy. Routledge.
Miyakuni, R. (2021). CE 622 Syllabus: Family Systems Counseling.
Schwartz, R., & Goldsmith, J. (2019). Internal Family Systems in Family Therapy. Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy, 1575-1580