2013/04/16 by Michael Nichols, Sydney Tafuri
paper · doi:10.1111/famp.12025
crossref issued 2013/04/16 · crossref published 2013/04/16 · crossref published-online 2013/04/16 · crossref created 2013/04/16 · crossref published-print 2013/06/01 · crossref deposited 2024/05/09 · crossref indexed 2026/07/27
The trajectory of assessment in structural family therapy moves from a linear perspective, in which problems are located in the identified patient, to an interactional perspective, in which problems are seen as involving other members of the family. Minuchin, Nichols, & Lee (2007) developed a 4‐step model for assessing couples and families consisting of: (1) broadening the definition of the presenting complaint to include its context, (2) identifying problem‐maintaining interactions, (3) a structurally focused exploration of the past, and (4) developing a shared vision of pathways to change. To study how experts actually implement this model, judges coded video recordings of 10 initial consultations conducted by three widely recognized structural family therapists. Qualitative analyses identified 25 distinct techniques that these clinicians used to challenge linear thinking and move families toward a systemic understanding of their problems. We discuss and locate these techniques in the framework of the 4‐step model.