The Mimetism Technique in Family Therapy

Family therapy has experienced numerous transformations throughout its evolution, with different theorists and clinicians contributing to the creation of various techniques and approaches. An outstanding theorist in this field is Salvador Minuchin, who is widely known for developing structural family therapy. Within this therapy, Minuchin introduces a series of intervention techniques, one of which is mimicry.

Mimetism, according to Minuchin, is a fundamental technique that the therapist implements in the initial phase of the therapeutic process. The main objective of mimicry is Develop an effective therapeutic alliance with the family, thus facilitating the intervention process.

Content

• What is the technique of mimicry
• How this technique is used
  • Case 1: Multigenerational Family
  • Case 2: Family with emotional communication problems
• Conclusions
  • References

What is the technique of mimicry

Mimetism, in systemic therapy, refers to Therapist's ability to "imitate" or adapt to family characteristics and communication modes during therapy sessions. This could include aspects such as language, tone, rhythm of discourse, ways of expressing affection and other cultural and family characteristics.

Mimetism is not simply the imitation of behaviors, but implies a deeper understanding and adaptation to the family system. It entails adaptation to language styles, the rhythm of discourse, ways of expressing affection and cultural and social norms. For example, if a family communicates predominantly through humor, the therapist can incorporate humor in their interactions with them. If a family tends to avoid visual contact, the therapist can adapt to this at the beginning so as not to cause discomfort.

The objective of mimicry is to build a strong and effective therapeutic alliance with the family, helping to create an environment of trust and acceptance.

When we generate an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, we make family members feel understood and valued. This can help reduce resistance to therapy and facilitate the active participation of the family In the therapeutic process.

However, it is important to remember that mimicry is a tool that is used to establish a therapeutic relationship and is not an end in itself. Once this relationship is established, the therapist can begin to challenge dysfunctional interaction patterns within the family and promote healthier forms of communication and conflict resolution.

In addition, mimicry It should be used with sensitivity and respect. The therapist must be aware of not caricaturize or trivialize the forms of communication and family behavior. On the other hand, you must strive to understand and appreciate the meaning and value that these behaviors have for the family and reflect this understanding in their therapeutic approach.

How this technique is used

Mimetism is a technique that can be applied in various ways depending on the dynamics and composition of the family with which you work. It is better to explain it through some example:

Case 1: Multigenerational Family

A multigenerational family that includes grandparents, parents and children, all living under the same roof. In this family, there will surely be different communication and behavior styles between generations. Grandparents can have a more formal and traditional way of speaking, while children can have a more modern and colloquial language.

The therapist, using the mimicry technique, would adapt to these different styles when interacting with the different family members. For example, you could adopt more formal language and a more respectful tone when speaking with grandparents, while you could use a more informal and colloquial language with children. This adaptation shows respect for individual and cultural differences within the family and can help build a solid therapeutic relationship with all its members.

Case 2: Family with emotional communication problems

In this other example of family, members present difficulties in expressing their emotions and tendencies to avoid conflicts. Instead of speaking openly about their feelings, they can resort to indifference or silence. The therapist, using mimicry, would reflect this form of communication initially, respecting its rhythm and style. For example, I could talk about the issues in a neutral tone and allow prolonged silences in the conversation to give the family the time to process their emotions.

However, the final objective is not to perpetuate these communication patterns, but to help the family develop a healthier emotional communication. Therefore, once a good therapeutic relationship has been established, the therapist can begin to model more open and honest forms of emotional communication and to encourage the family to do the same.

Conclusions

It is important to note that mimicry does not mean that the therapist agrees with all the behaviors or attitudes of the family, but is used as a means to establish a solid and effective working relationship. Once this relationship is established, the therapist can begin to challenge and modify dysfunctional behavior patterns within the family in a respectful and supported way.

Mimicism is in the accommodation phase of the Minuchin model, which also includes maintenance (sustain and support useful behaviors) and tracking (follow the track to the problems and changes that arise during therapy).

The structural model in systemic family therapy

References

• Minuchin, s. (1974). Families and family therapy. Mexico: Economic Culture Fund.
• Minuchin, s., & Fishman, H. C. (1981). Family therapy techniques. Barcelona: Paidós.
• Nichols, m. P., & Schwartz, R. C. (2006). Family therapy: concepts and methods. Madrid: Pearson.
• Camí, a. et all (2019). Socio -educational family therapy. Ed. Eleftheria. Barcelona
• Image: photo of Vidal Balielo Jr.: https: // www.Pexels.com/es-es/photo/family-caminando-in-el-camino-1682497/