The approach, a refraint technique in family therapy

The approach technique, proposed by Salvador Minuchin in the framework of structural family therapy, is a strategy aimed at maintaining treatment on the right path and focused on problems that are more critical for the family system.

It is a method that has objective prioritize and specify those transformations necessary for family relational health. Instead of addressing all problems at the same time, which can be overwhelming and confusing, this technique selects certain elements of family interaction and focuses on data that are relevant to therapy.

Content

• What is the approach technique and what is its objective
• How this technique is used
  • An example case
  • References

What is the approach technique and what is its objective

The main objective of the approach technique is to help the family Identify and focus on the most critical problems or issues. Minuchin believed that the most effective change occurs when the family is able to focus on the most urgent problems and then work to solve them. The approach technique acts as a guide for this process, providing a structure and direction for treatment.

This technique is useful in a variety of contexts. It can be particularly useful for families who are dealing with multiple problems and do not know where to start. By focusing family attention on the most relevant problems, the technique can help prevent the feeling of overwhelming that can sometimes accompany therapy. In addition, the technique also results from Help in situations where there is a tendency to deviate from the main topic or avoid certain problems. By maintaining family attention in the problem being treated, the therapist can help ensure that the therapy is effective.

The approach technique, when used correctly, can be a powerful means to direct and maintain family therapy on a path that is more likely to lead to problem solving and positive systemic change.

In addition, the goal is convincing family members that the "map of reality" they have drawn can be expanded or modified. That is, the way in which the family perceives and interprets its reality can change, which can open new possibilities for interaction and problem solving.

The therapist works with the family to organize the data that it provides according to the topics that are of interest to its therapeutic process. Then, the issues to deal with with the family are prioritized. Then, a topic is selected and chosen, postponing those who, even if they are interesting, are not useful at that time for their therapeutic goals. Finally, a family interaction sequence is chosen in which this issue manifests itself and can be addressed therapeutically.

The structural model in systemic family therapy

How this technique is used

The focus technique is based on four main components:

1. Organization of data: The therapist collaborates with the family to organize the information it provides, according to the topics that are most relevant to their therapeutic process. This phase may involve grouping similar or correlated problems, identifying behavior or interaction patterns and understanding the background and context of the family.
2. Prioritization of topics: Once the data is organized, the therapist and the family jointly decide which are the most important issues to be addressed. Prioritization helps the family to understand what issues should first be addressed to promote a positive change.
3. Selection and postposition of topics: Even within the prioritized issues, there may be some that are more urgent or impressive than others. The therapist, then, selects a topic to address it in depth, postponing those who, even if they are interesting or relevant, are not so critical at that time for the therapeutic goals of the family.
4. Choice of a family interaction sequence: With the selected theme, the therapist seeks a sequence of family interaction that reflects that issue and is likely to approach therapy. This approach helps the family to understand how their interaction patterns can be contributing to the problem and what changes can make to improve the situation.

This approach is not intended to be rigid, but to provide a framework that helps the therapist and the family to navigate through their problems more structured and focused. The approach technique, therefore, is a guide for the therapeutic process, not a recipe that must be followed to the letter. Flexibility is key, since each family is unique and what works for one may not work for another.

An example case

Suppose we are going to treat a family composed of two parents, Ana and Juan, and two adolescent children, Carlos and María. They have sought therapy because parents are having difficulty managing Carlos's rebel behavior and retracted Maria seems to be suffering silently.

In the first session, parents spend most of the time talking about Carlos: their bad grades, their challenge to authority and their disrespectful attitude. They talk a little about Maria, but mainly in terms of how their silence and isolation concern parents. There are a number of problems at stake here, and the tension in the family is palpable.

The therapist, using the approach technique, decides that the first problem they must address is communication within the family. Although the specific problems of Carlos and María are important, the therapist identifies that the way the family communicates and manages the conflict is the underlying problem that is probably contributing to the individual problems of the children.

Then, in the next session, the therapist guides the discussion towards communication in the family. When Carlos is challenging or parents are frustrated, the therapist redirects the conversation to how they are talking to each other. Ask questions like "How did you feel when your father/mother told you that, Carlos?"or" Ana/Juan, why do you think Carlos reacted that way to what you said?"

In this way, the therapist is using the approach technique to change the "reality map" of the family. He is helping the family to see that it is not only about the individual problems of Carlos or María, but how the family as a system handles conflict and communication. This new approach can then open new ways for conflict resolution and positive change.

Staging technique in therapy, what is and how is used

References

• Camí, a. (2010). Structural family therapy. Barcelona: Escola Itinere, EDUVIC Cooperative.
• Camí, a. et all (2019). Socio -educational family therapy. Ed. Eleftheria. Barcelona