Structural Family Therapy (SFT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the patterns of interaction in a family system. This approach was developed by Salvador Minuchin and his colleagues in the 1960s and 70s, and it has since become a widely used and effective form of family therapy.
SFT is based on the idea that family problems are not caused by any one individual, but rather by the patterns of interaction within the family as a whole. The therapist works with the family to identify these patterns and then helps them to change them in a positive way. This can involve changing the way family members communicate, behave, or relate to one another.
In SFT, the therapist observes the family's interactions in the therapy session and looks for patterns of behavior that may be contributing to the family's problems. The therapist then helps the family to restructure these patterns in order to improve communication and decrease conflict.
One of the key concepts in SFT is the idea of boundaries. A boundary is the invisible line that separates one family member from another, and it can be physical, emotional, or psychological. When family members have unclear or dysfunctional boundaries, it can lead to conflict and dysfunction in the family system. The therapist helps the family to identify and maintain appropriate boundaries, which can lead to improved communication and healthier relationships.
Another important concept in SFT is the idea of subsystems. Subsystems are smaller groups within the family, such as the parent-child subsystem or the sibling subsystem. When these subsystems are functioning well, it can lead to improved functioning of the family as a whole. The therapist works with the family to identify and improve the functioning of these subsystems.
SFT is typically a short-term therapy, with an average of 12-16 sessions. The therapy is often solution-focused, meaning that the therapist works with the family to identify specific goals and then helps them to achieve those goals. SFT can be used to address a wide range of family problems, including communication difficulties, conflicts, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents.
Overall, Structural Family Therapy is an effective and widely used form of family therapy that focuses on changing the patterns of interaction within a family system to improve communication, decrease conflict, and promote healthier relationships.