Family systems theory
Family systems theory is a technique used in therapy used to explain the behaviors of individuals according to their interaction with other family members and their role in the family. This philosophy argues that all parts of a family are interconnected, and behavior patterns can be determined by the relationship and interactions between members of the family. My practicum site is at the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center (MECIC)
Wholesome
Family systems apply the “Composition Law.” This law states that “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Each family has several individuals who have distinct and unique characteristics and functions. However, a family’s operation cannot be understood if one tries to sum up the various roles of each member. A family can only be understood if all members are seen working together as a whole. There are certain characteristics of a family that do not necessarily describe a specific individual within that family. Some families may live in different apartments but still function as one and work under the same boundaries, rules, and relationships.
Interdependence
It implies that all the elements and structures within a family are interrelated. Each individual in a family has unique characteristics. These members of the family form relationships that function in a connected manner. These relationships form a structure that is an overall sum of the interrelationships formed between members. A change in one aspect of the family will result in a change in another aspect of the family. In most cases, when parents bring in a child for therapy, the mother comes without the father or vice versa. However, the therapist encourages that both parents be present because if there is a problem in the family, it is bound to affect everyone, and everyone’s effort is needed to solve the issue.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is another term that means balance. In family relations, homeostasis implies that a family intends to maintain its beliefs and cultural organizations and is resistant to change. A family has repetitive patterns of interaction and responsibilities that enable each member of the family to know what they are required to do and how they are required to do it. It forms the equilibrium since all the parties involved know their roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Most families go for therapy when there is a relapse or dysfunctions. Dysfunctions are often noticed when individuals act contrary to the expectations of the rest of the family. For instance, if it is a rule for all children to be home in time for dinner at six in the evening and one of them fails to on consecutive days, a norm is broken, and equilibrium is destroyed.
Boundaries
Every family has unseen and unspoken boundaries that help define how family members relate to each other based on generation, age, and sex. Systems have a way of incorporating and omitting members and drawing the line between the included and the excluded transparently. A family is no different, and different families have different boundaries that govern the members. In some cases, subsystems are dismantled, and members are bound to change. For example, in the case of divorce or separation of parents. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the therapist to determine whether or not to include the excluded members of the subsystems in therapy sessions. Sometimes systems can be stretched to include members of the extended family who may have a direct influence on the issues at hand.
Hierarchy
Family hierarchy refers to the different structures within the family in which the family is organized. There are also called subsystems of a family. Each subsystem has its unique guidelines. Members of these subsystems can change with respect to time. In most families, the father and mother (husband and wife) are at the top of the hierarchy, and the children follow in the lower subsystem. It means that the relationship between husband and wife is different from that of the children, but there still exists some interrelation.