CriticalAnaylsisReflectionPaper

.docx
Introduction At-risk Families of Latinos are a vulnerable group that must deal with a number of difficulties, including acculturation stress, language obstacles, economic inequality, and prejudice. These elements may cause tense family relationships, problems with mental health, and other concerns. Family therapy methods are essential in fostering resiliency and well-being within these families to address these issues. Structural Family Therapy The 1960s saw the development of structural family therapy by psychiatrist Dr. Salvador Minuchin (Minuchin, 2020). Structural family therapy (SFP) is a type of therapy that pinpoints the interactions that cause family problems. When adopting structural family therapy, the focus
of therapy is on modifying the family structure rather than the individual family members. The use of structural family therapy improves family member relationships and communication. To foster healthy connections, it focuses on changing how the family interacts and operates hierarchically. Understanding family dynamics is made simple by structural family theory. It is adaptable to take into account cultural quirks and values. Typically, a structural therapist examines how the family members engage before creating an outline that helps establish limitations and the family's structure. Conflicts will be reduced, and the family will live harmoniously as a result of improved communication and engagement. Family Systems Theory According to Murray Bowen's family systems theory, individuals cannot be comprehended when they live apart from one another but can only be understood when they are a member of a unit, the family unit (Bowen, 2023). Families are made up of individuals who are required to react to each other in particular ways according to their duties as defined by the relationship agreement that has been created. A number of tendencies emerge as a result of some family members' activities, which in turn influence the behaviors of other family members (Erdem & Safi, 2018). An equilibrium between healthy and unhealthy behaviors might arise from the drive to uphold the same patterns of conduct. The Latino community can benefit greatly from family systems theory since it is so flexible to many cultural situations. It may provide family members the power to take charge of their stories and effect good change. Rather than taking action to fix problems, the Bowenian intervention strategy tries to provide people with insights into their problems. The Bowenian method emphasizes striking a balance between unity and uniqueness. The Bowenian approach consists of many overlapping strategies that work together to assist in solving family difficulties. Rather than taking action to fix problems, the
Bowenian intervention strategy tries to provide people with insights into their problems. The Bowenian method emphasizes striking a balance between unity and uniqueness. The Bowenian approach consists of many overlapping strategies that work together to assist in solving family difficulties. Compare and Contrast Many aspects of structural and family systems treatment are comparable, especially in how they address groups that are considered to be at risk. both place more focus on the family as a whole than on each individual family member. In order to guarantee that the family functions well, the family systems approach also emphasizes reorganizing it via the development of wholesome bonds between family members. The aim of both structural family therapy and family systems therapy is to guarantee that family dysfunction is resolved by enhancing communication and creating new, healthy boundaries. While family systems theory and structural family therapy may operate similarly in most situations, family systems theory also places emphasis on the person. Family systems theory emphasizes the individual even while it recognizes problems that one family member may be having as a result of family dysfunction. This implies that a family member's problems are dealt with on a personal level before moving on to the collaborative stage. Strengths and Weaknesses The benefit of structural family therapy is that it promotes the establishment of healthy limitations. Establishing these limits enables each partner or family member to comprehend their responsibilities and limitations. The benefits of structural family therapy include improved
interpersonal dynamics and communication. At-risk Latino families can benefit from structural family therapy by identifying and resolving problems with family roles, hierarchies, and boundaries. Structural family therapy's advantages increased family understanding and communication. It also increased flexibility, family bonding, and better control of cultural tensions and acculturation stress. Recognizing cultural influences on family relations, including collectivism and authority respect. On the other hand, until the restructuring is accomplished, the weekly sessions are where structural family therapy finds its vulnerability. Although this is a great feature, the model has a drawback in that many clientele, especially the Latino community, do not have the time to devote to it. In order to continue with treatment, dedication is also necessary, and most people lack the kind of commitment needed to succeed. The functioning of families is where the family systems concept draws its power. This model's methods contribute to improving the performance of family units. It is known as the family system approach because it emphasizes the family as a whole. This approach also finds strength in its capacity to concentrate on a single person. One family member can get family systems therapy to deal with their problems, including mental health challenges. The cohesion of a family systems model makes it useful. Families make sure they take care of the matter at hand by working both individually and as a team. Latino families who are at risk can work independently while cooperating with one another. On the other hand, the fact that each participant must support the intervention is a drawback. This implies that each person has to recognize the family as a dysfunctional entity with unhealthy ties. Summary Families and structural therapy are crucial paradigms for working with people who are considered to be at risk. These groups require evidence-based strategies, and both of these fit the
bill. The goal of the family systems approach and structural family therapy is to strengthen the bonds that exist within the family. The two are aware of the need for sound boundaries and how disruption in the family results from their absence. One of the main goals of family systems treatment and structures is improving communication within the family. Fundamentally, systems theory seeks to comprehend a person or situation as the sum of its pieces, not just one particular component. Systems theory may be used by social workers to analyze how various interactions with a client's systems affect behavior as a whole. Conclusion Therefore, dealing with at-risk Latino families can benefit from using both structural family therapy and family system therapy. Family systems therapy and structural family therapy are two evidence-based strategies. Because they concentrate on the family as a whole, these two models have the same objective and function similarly. The benefit of family systems therapy is that it concentrates on the family and the person. By addressing all potential concerns, a Latino family is certain to be preserved from all sides. The requirements and family dynamics should guide the decision between these approaches. The successful application of these models within the Latino community ultimately depends on culturally aware and skilled therapists, guaranteeing that at-risk families may enhance their well-being and resilience.
Reference About . Minuchin Center For The Family. (2020, October 13). https://minuchincenter.org/ Erdem, G., & Safi, O. A. (2018). The cultural lens approach to Bowen family systems theory: Contributions of family change theory. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 10(2). Introduction to the eight concepts . The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. (2023). https://www.thebowencenter.org/introduction-eight-concepts#:~:text=Bowen%20family %20systems%20theory%20is,members%20are%20intensely%20connected %20emotionally.
Uploaded by LieutenantFlowerHorse28 on coursehero.com