What is the primary goal of Structural Family Therapy?

The primary goal of Structural Family Therapy is to restructure the family. This therapeutic approach, developed by Salvador Minuchin, focuses on understanding and altering the organization of the family, as well as the roles that family members play within that structure. By identifying and modifying the patterns of interaction and the hierarchical relationships between family members, the therapist seeks to improve family functioning and promote healthier dynamics.

In Structural Family Therapy, the therapist actively engages with the family to map out the existing family structure and identify how it contributes to presenting problems. The restructuring process often involves promoting clearer boundaries between family members, enhancing connection and communication, and helping the family to develop more adaptive roles. The ultimate aim is to create a healthier family dynamics that can alleviate individual and collective issues faced by family members.

While individual therapy sessions, identifying dysfunctional behaviors, and establishing individual autonomy may be important components of broader therapeutic practices, they are not the primary focus of Structural Family Therapy. Instead, the emphasis is on the family unit as a whole and how its structure impacts the well-being of its members.