Family Systems Theory Simplified: Applying and Understanding Systemic Therapy Models PDF
Preview Family Systems Theory Simplified: Applying and Understanding Systemic Therapy Models
i Family Systems Theory Simplified In this textbook for students and instructors of marriage and family therapy, Bethany C. Suppes offers a refreshed perspective of family systems therapy (FST), focusing on the importance of understanding its concepts and demon- strating how models of marriage and family therapy can appear practically in counseling. In Part I, Suppes begins with a theoretical overview of FST, including the history of development, key theorists, and defining core concepts. In Part II, she focuses on application and explores nine key components of FST, identi- fying how various systemic therapy models apply these concepts. The book also covers the professional responsibilities of the systemic therapist and cul- tural considerations for those using the theory professionally. Primarily written for those having their first exposure to the ideas of FST, it explains concepts in a language and structure that is more comprehensive and culturally aware than existing literature, aiming to improve the therapeutic process for both therapist and client. Bethany C. Suppes is a marriage and family therapist and approved supervisor based in Spokane, Washington, USA. She has experience as a clinical director and assistant professor along with author and psychotherapist. ii iii Family Systems Theory Simplified Applying and Understanding Systemic Therapy Models Bethany C. Suppes iv Cover image: © Getty Images First published 2023 by Routledge 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158 and by Routledge 4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 2023 Bethany C. Suppes The right of Bethany C. Suppes to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication Data A catalog record for this title has been requested ISBN: 978- 0- 367- 54206- 1 (hbk) ISBN: 978- 0- 367- 54208- 5 (pbk) ISBN: 978- 1- 003- 08819- 6 (ebk) DOI: 10.4324/ 9781003088196 Typeset in Galliard by Newgen Publishing UK v Contents Foreword vii Dedications and Acknowledgments ix Introduction 1 PART I Theoretical Overview 7 1 History of Family Systems Theory 9 2 Differentiating Therapeutic Theory and Clinical Modality 23 3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Therapist in Family Systems Theory 34 PART II Theoretical Application 49 4 FST Concept I: Wholeness 51 5 FST Concept II: You Cannot Not Communicate 68 6 FST Concept III: Context Is Key 90 7 FST Concept IV: Co- occurring Systems 114 8 FST Concept V: Boundaries 137 9 FST Concept VI: Circular Causality 162 vi vi Contents PART III Additional Considerations 183 10 Role of Individual Psychology in Family Systems Theory 185 11 Cultural Considerations of Family Systems Theory 198 Conclusion 216 References 218 Index 226 vii Foreword Over the years, as a professor in several graduate counseling programs, I have come to recognize that there are two groups of students who seek the helping profession. There is one group of very bright students who delve into theory, research, and adore every second of their study. They ask important questions in class that almost outshine the other students, who sometimes frown at their knowledge, and feel intimidated by them. Those students often go on and do phenomenal research and prove that certain theories are worthy of future study. They often teach in graduate school after they graduate, expounding on theory and research. They enliven our field with statistics and results of what therapists do that work with families. Their work pushes us to understand the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy. The other group also consists of bright students who are interested in doing marriage and family therapy and work very hard to learn the underpinnings of marriage and family therapy. They seek out textbooks that define each family therapy model, sometimes, skim the theory chapters, and hurry on to the interventions. They try to understand how each model works and come to class with important questions to ask, mostly to clarify what they have read. They want examples of cases because they learn better that way. In their eyes, most of what they read in their textbook is amazing. Yet, it is not always under- standable. Their textbooks were probably written by a member of the first group I described. This book, however, is for the second group. They are the ones who will go to work, day by day see families, push our field forward, and help humans interact so that their lives are meaningful, together. Dr. Suppes was once a student in my graduate program. I often noticed that she walked the balance beam between both groups. I noticed early on that her writing was superb, along with her drive and passion for research. Her love of certain family therapy models meant that she was driven to understand how they worked and examine the outcomes. The joy of watching such a student made me excited. I told her often that her writing was amazing and she should write a book. Somehow, I knew that if more students could come to under- stand what Dr. Suppes understood through her efforts of learning the models and utilizing them with families, they too would share in Dr. Suppes’ passion. viii viii Foreword This book will finally provide the simplicity and clarification that students need to enter into the field of marriage and family therapy, with an understanding of systemic principles, key terms, theory about family, case studies, and explanations that make sense. Dr. Suppes has taken the sophisticated termin- ology and principles of marriage and family therapy, along with mentions of those early family therapists who transformed therapy, and provided the same information into an easy-t o- read and casual manuscript that makes sense. Her descriptions are so clear and at times, fun, that one can almost feel that she is sitting next to the reader, like a friend talking about something fascinating to them. When I interviewed Dr. Suppes for admission to our PhD program, I mentioned that my wish for her and all of our students was for them to make a contribution to the field. I am happy to write in this Foreword that Dr. Suppes has succeeded. Linda Metcalf, PhD Texas Wesleyan University August, 2021 inxewgenprepdf Dedications and Acknowledgments This book would not have been possible without numerous indirect contributions and support from others. First, my parents and grandparents who showed me just how influential family can be. Your constant support and compassion helped me persevere through many challenges, including personal development, academic degrees, and now, this manuscript. Second, my loving partner who did not know this book (or a global pandemic) would be a signifi- cant character in the first few years of our relationship and persevered alongside me. Third, Dr. Linda Metcalf, who offered not only connection to publica- tion opportunities but invaluable guidance on how to write a book people, hopefully, actually want to read. Fourth, Dr. Sara Blakeslee Salkil, who wrote on one of my tests in my master’s program that she would not be surprised if I authored a theory text someday. To each of you, I offer my sincerest grati- tude. Finally, my thanks to the many professors, peers, family, and friends who let me talk about this text repeatedly over its authorship. Please know I am constantly learning from you and hope you see flavors of your wisdom in this text as you offered it to me. This book is dedicated to all those who helped my hope of publishing a book become a reality. I hope it is not the last.
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