In the context of family therapy, what does a stable coalition indicate?

In family therapy, a stable coalition refers to a dynamic in which a subset of family members, such as one parent and a child, consistently aligns or collaborates against another parent. This pattern can lead to imbalances in family dynamics, perpetuating dysfunction. For instance, the coalition can create tension between the parent being excluded and the allied parent and child. This situation often indicates issues regarding loyalty, power struggles, and the potential for conflict escalation within the family system.

In this context, identifying a stable coalition is crucial for therapists to understand the relational dynamics at play and to address the underlying issues that such alliances may reveal. By recognizing this coalition, therapists can work with the family to bring awareness to the patterns of interaction that may be problematic and help establish healthier family dynamics.