Family

I have been fascinated by family therapy ever since I was introduced to Structural Family Therapy during my abnormal psychology class. In my first major field placement, I attended a seminar about family therapy. This session included theorists like Minuchin, but what interested me the most was Murray Bowen and the importance placed on the family unit in his theory. His insight really cemented within me the idea that family dynamics are represented directly within the individual and in their everyday lives. Combining that insight with the reading on Caribbean child-rearing beliefs, I see more clearly the cultural and familial differences that lead certain clients and clinicians to have divergent beliefs and strategies.  

One of the most important connections I have made out of this link is how the un-therapeutic practice of my fellow clinicians at Samaritan Inns mirrors poor family dynamics.  I believe that substance abuse is a maladaptive coping mechanism for psychological stress.  In addition, much of the psychological stress my clients (and some fellow clinicians) carry stems from their family relationships.  These unhealthy relationships are continually repropagated in daily interactions.  For example, when rules are not applied to certain individuals, are not applied consistently over time, and negative group roles are reinforced by staff, unhealthy family relationships are finding new expression in a different group context.  This process is grossly unhealthy for all involved.  The clients suffer greatly as their psychological needs of consistency, positive regard, and basic safety are neglected.