Staging technique in therapy, what is and how is used

Family therapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on dynamics and relationships within a family, incorporates several techniques to help families overcome conflicts and improve their functioning. One of these techniques is the staging, a tool widely used in the Structural School of Family Therapy.

The staging allows the therapist to observe how family members interact with each other, offering a deeper understanding of behavior patterns and the structure of relationships within the family.

Content

• What is the staging technique
• How the staging technique is used
  • An example case
  • References

What is the staging technique

The staging is based on the idea that the family "dance" or interacts in the presence of the therapist. This interaction is not limited to conversation, but It involves all forms of communication and connection between family members. The objective is to reveal the information not only of the content, but also of the relationship. The therapist can learn a lot by simply observing how family members communicate with each other, how they react to each other, and what are the roles and patterns that have developed over time.

The staging is carried out in several ways, one of them is through spontaneous interactions, Where the therapist Look at the natural interaction between family members. This approach provides a vision of family relationships without the direct influence of the therapist. Spontaneous interactions can be particularly useful to understand the dynamics of relationships, as who takes the role of leader, who is the caregiver, and who stays out.

Another way of working with the staging would be causing specific interactions, asking family members to interact in a certain way. This can allow the therapist to observe how family members respond to situations, conflicts and specific applications. These interactions can also be useful to help family members experience and practice new forms of communication and connection.

In staging, you can also Request alternative interactions, that is, ask family members to try unusual behaviors or do things they would normally do. This can provide a new framework to explore the possibilities of change and adaptation within the family structure.

This technique helps find family interaction patterns that could be contributing to the maintenance of a problem. For example, if family members are automatically responding to certain behaviors without realizing how this response can perpetuate the problem, the therapist can point out this pattern and help the family understand and change it.

How the staging technique is used

The staging technique, as we have already advanced, is carried out in several ways. Next, we detail the procedures used:

1. Observation of spontaneous interactions: The therapist invites family members to interact naturally. For example, they could ask them to do a daily activity how to play or dinner together. During this time, the therapist carefully observes how they relate to each other, who takes the initiative, who remains in the background, how conflicts are resolved, etc.
2. Provocation of interactions: To obtain additional information, the therapist could suggest scenarios or request certain behaviors to see how the family reacts. For example, the therapist could ask a family member to make a specific request to another member. Reactions to this application can reveal communication patterns, power structures and family roles.
3. Request alternative interactions: In some cases, the therapist could challenge family members to change their behavior in unusual or unusual ways. This may involve trying new forms of communication or interacting in ways that deviate from the usual patterns. This part of the staging can help family members break their routines and consider new ways of interacting.
4. Illuminate spontaneous interactions: Once the therapist has observed enough interactions, it can point to certain patterns to the family. This often includes patterns that may be contributing to family dynamics. By making the family aware of these patterns, they are provided with the opportunity to change their behavior.
5. Reflection and discussion: After staging, the therapist discusses with the family what was observed. This may involve discussing how certain behaviors can be contributing to current problems and exploring ways to change these behaviors.

The staging, like any therapy technique, must be used with care and respect. The therapist must always be attentive to how family members feel during the process and make sure they feel safe and respected. Ultimately, the objective of the staging is to provide the family with a new perspective on their own dynamics, which can be the first step towards creating a positive and lasting change in family relationships.

An example case

Let's put as an example a family composed of a mother, a father and two children, Andrés, 16 and Ana, 6 years old. The family is having problems because Ana tends to be demanding and often monopolizes the attention of others, while Andrés feels ignored.

Observation of spontaneous interactions: The therapist begins the session asking the family to interact as they would normally at home. Note that Ana frequently interrupts when others speak and that parents tend to respond immediately to their demands, leaving aside anything else they are doing. Andrés seems reluctant to speak and stay out.

Provocation of interactions: The therapist decides to provoke an interaction by asking Ana to ask her brother Andrés to help her to tie her shoes. Note that Ana simply throws Andrés's shoes without asking for help. When Andrés refuses to tie his shoes, parents rebuke Andrés instead of addressing Ana about her lack of courtesy.

Request alternative interactions: The therapist intervenes and suggests an alternative interaction. Ask Ana to, instead of throwing Andrés's shoes, ask for help kindly. In addition, parents urge to wait before intervening, allowing the brothers to solve the problem themselves.

Illuminate spontaneous interactions: After this interaction, the therapist indicates the trend of the parents to immediately meet Ana's demands, regardless of whether her behavior is appropriate or not. In addition, he points out how this dynamic can be leaving Andrés feeling unattended and less important.

Reflection and discussion: The therapist opens a discussion about what was observed during the session, asking the family how they feel about these interactions. Through conversation, the family begins to understand how their behavior patterns can be contributing to problems in their family dynamics.

Through this process, the family can begin to recognize and understand the underlying dynamics in their relationship that may be causing conflicts. Over time, this knowledge and understanding can help them make positive changes in their way of interacting with each other.

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References

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