Family Theorists

1
Family Theorists

• Dianna Spies Sorenson, Ph.D., RN, CNS

2
Family Theorists Perspectives

• Structural - Salvador Minuchin
• Milan or Interactional - Bateson, Haley,
  Watslawic, Bevin Jackson
• Systems - Bowen
• Brief Therapy - Weakland

3
Family as a System - Bradshaw

• Functional Healthy Family Defined
• survival growth unit
• meets emotional needs of members
• balanced autonomy/dependency
• social sexual training
• facilitates attainment of self-esteem
• unit of socialization

4
Satirs 5 FreedomsAccess to Natural Endowment

• perceive here now Vs. what was, will be or
  should be
• think own thoughts Vs. what should think
• feel own feelings Vs. what should feel
• to want to choose what one wants Vs. what
  should want
• imagine own self-actualization Vs. playing rigid
  role or playing it safe

5
Functional Rules that allow family to express
freedoms

• problems acknowledged resolved
• all express perceptions, feelings, thoughts,
  desires fantasies
• relationships are dialogical equal
• communication is direct, congruent sensory
  based
• members needs are met
• members allowed to be different
• parents do as they say self-disciplined
  disciplinarians

6
Functional Rules that allow family to express
freedoms

• family roles are chosen flexible
• atmosphere is fun spontaneous
• rules require accountability
• violation of others values leads to guilt
  (Gilligan Kohlberg)
• mistakes are forgiven viewed as learning tools
• family system exists for the individuals
• parents are in touch with their health shame