PC Training Slides Day3 Family Systems 2007

UNDERSTANDING FAMILY SYSTEMS : UNDERSTANDING FAMILY SYSTEMS Goal: Conceptualize divorcing families as reorganizing systems


THINGS HAVE CHANGED : THINGS HAVE CHANGED


Mediation Model Standards of Practice re Family Functioning : Mediation Model Standards of Practice re Family Functioning Standard VIII A family mediator shall assist participants in determining how to promote the best interests of children Standard IX A family mediator shall recognize a family situation involving child abuse or neglect & take appropriate steps to shape the mediation process accordingly Standard X A family mediator shall recognize a family situation involving domestic abuse and take appropriate steps to shape the mediation process accordingly


Collaboration for Divorcing Families: : Collaboration for Divorcing Families: Family Therapy and Family Law


Understanding Family Systems : Understanding Family Systems Family life cycle framework Family systems theory overview Marriage & Family Therapy process Reorganizing the family system Family crisis model Divorce stages theory Advice for relating with former spouses Decision-making process How anger plays a part


FAMILY LIFE CYCLE STAGES & NECESSARY CHANGES IN SYSTEM : FAMILY LIFE CYCLE STAGES & NECESSARY CHANGES IN SYSTEM LEAVING HOME: SINGLE YOUNG ADULT THE JOINING OF FAMILIES THROUGH MARRIAGE: THE NEW COUPLE FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN FAMILIES WITH ADOLESCENTS LAUNCHING CHILDREN & MOVING ON FAMILIES IN LATER LIFE Accepting emotional & financial responsibility for self Committing to new family system Accepting new members into family system Increasing flexibility of family boundaries to include children’s independence & grandparents’ frailties Accepting a multitude of exits from & entries into the family system Accepting the shifting of generational roles


FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY ASSUMPTIONS—Paradigm Shift : FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY ASSUMPTIONS—Paradigm Shift Problems are contextually based Assessment focuses on circular vs. linear causality Troubled families are stuck in the family development life cycle Symptoms are metaphorical of the system functioning problems Symptoms are systems maintained & system maintaining Second-order change is necessary to remove symptoms Parental hierarchy is necessary


MFT INTERVENTION PROCESS : MFT INTERVENTION PROCESS Assessing family system functioning Hypothesizing reason family system stuck Strategizing method to improve functioning


REASONS FOR FAMILY ASSESSMENT : REASONS FOR FAMILY ASSESSMENT FOUNDATIONAL STEP FOR SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTION * Insider/Outsider Assessment * Formulate Hypothesis * Plan, Implement, & Evaluate Intervention, including referring to more appropriate services TQM Model: System Functioning Determines Output [Can only make sense of complex can of worms by system analysis to meet the needs of customers] Managed Care / Funders / Courts Require Outcome Data Based on Assessment of Change


FAMILY FUNCTIONING ASSESSMENT : FAMILY FUNCTIONING ASSESSMENT Interactional [macro lens] Structural [50 mm lens] Family-of-Origin [wide-angle lens]


Interactional Techniques : Interactional Techniques Problem solving enactment Circular questioning


Structural Techniques : Structural Techniques Implied from interactional Sculpting/choreographing Listing family rules Standardized questionnaire


Family-of-Origin [FOO] Techniques : Family-of-Origin [FOO] Techniques Genogram Coaching assignments


ASSESSING FAMILIES & COUPLES: FROM SYMPTOM TO SYSTEM : ASSESSING FAMILIES & COUPLES: FROM SYMPTOM TO SYSTEM The art of assessment is to discover what stands in the way of a family reaching its goals, & joining with them in a vision of how to get from where they are to where they want to be. Salvador Minuchin, Michael Nichols, Wai-Yung Lee 2007, Allyn & Bacon


4-Step Model of Family Assessment : 4-Step Model of Family Assessment Decentralize presenting problem & symptom bearer Explore family pattern that maintains presenting problem Explore what key family members bring from the past that still influences the present Redefine the problem & open up options


HYPOTHESIZING FROM FAMILY STRUCTURE PATTERNS : HYPOTHESIZING FROM FAMILY STRUCTURE PATTERNS Functional structure: What we would all like to look like. In reality, healthy families may use all types of structures at different times. Problems arise when a family never uses a functional pattern or does not use a functional pattern when under stress.   M = F ---------------- C = C = C From: Trepper & Barrett, SYSTEMIC TREATMENT OF INCEST


Slide17 : Troubled structures: Incest can occur only when a parent and child are on the same “generational” level. ----------------------------- M = F = C = C = C Chaotic structure     M F --------------------------- OR -------------------------- F = C = C = C M = C = C = C Mother executive / Father executive     M F ------------ -------------- F OR M ------------ -------------- C = C = C C = C = C 3rd generation structures     M F ---------------- [F] OR ----------------- [M] C = C = C C = C = C Estranged parent  


Gender Perspective Exercise : Gender Perspective Exercise Punctuate the following words to make a sentence: “a woman without her man is nothing”


SYSTEMIC MFT SKILL DEVELOPMENT SCALE : SYSTEMIC MFT SKILL DEVELOPMENT SCALE Manual p. FAMILY SYSTEMS-17


Written Assessment Tool: SAFE[Systemic Assessment of the Family Environment] : Written Assessment Tool: SAFE [Systemic Assessment of the Family Environment] 3 system levels assessed: Dyadic marital/executive parental subsystem Nuclear family system Extended family system


SAFE factors assessed under each system level: : SAFE factors assessed under each system level: Organizational structure Egalitarian marital/executive subsystem Parental hierarchy in nuclear family system Egalitarian power structure in adult extended family system [parent firing status]


SAFE factors contd. : SAFE factors contd. Interactional functioning Process of how members – Talk [self disclose] Listen [hear other disclosure] Understand [understand each other] Product of communication process – Connect [join together] Release [allow change & individuality] Support [provide appropriate supportiveness]


Slide23 : Systemic Assessment of the Family Environment [SAFE] by Lynelle C. Yingling, PhD Directions: For each of the descriptions below, mark a response describing relationships in your family now: place an X anywhere along the line showing whether you think the relationship is more like the description on the left or the description on the right. Think of your family and how you all relate to each other when problems come up. X = as it is now when we are under stress A. Me and My Spouse/Ex-Spouse/Partner share openly with each other _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ keep many secrets from each other listen to each other _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ never listen to each other understand each other well _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ always misunderstand each other work together with each other _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ work against each other try new ways when one doesn’t work _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ never change the way to solve problems support each other _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ abandon each other both work together equally _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ one controls & the other submits B. Me and My Kids free to tell anyone anything _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ keep a lot of secrets from each other when I talk, someone listens _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ no one seems to listen to me everyone understands when we talk about things _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ no one understands what to do after we’ve talked family members work together as a team _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ we seem to be playing on different teams when one way doesn’t work, we try another _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ we never try new ways to solve problems everyone feels extra support when they need it _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ everyone feels abandoned when they really need support parents are ultimately in charge in this family _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ kids seem to have more control than parents C. Me and My Own Parents tell each other important things _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ keep many important secrets from one another listen to each other respectfully _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ always butt in or ignore each other get across well to each other _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ never seem to understand each other work together when necessary _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ fight when cooperation is needed try new ways to solve problems _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ do it the way it was always done there for each other when really needed _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ always in the way or never there when needed treat each other as adults _____/_____/_____/_____/_____ act like parents and children Please circle which family member you are: mother /wife father /husband other:_____________________________ Date of completion:_________________________ Family Systems p. 20


Slide24 : Systemic Assessment of the Family Environment [SAFE] ASSIGNED WEIGHTS FOR EACH ITEM RESPONSE TO BE USED IN CALCULATING GRAPH A. __________________________ Interactional share openly with each other __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ keep many secrets from each other listen to each other __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ never listen to each other understand each other well __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ always misunderstand each other work together with each other __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ work against each other try new ways when one doesn’t work __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ never change the way to solve problems support each other __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ abandon each other Organizational both work together equally _30__/_24__/_18__/_12__/__6__ one controls & the other submits B. _________________________ Int free to tell anyone anything __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ keep a lot of secrets from each other when I talk, someone listens __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ no one seems to listen to me everyone understands when we talk about things __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ no one understands what to do after we’ve talked family members work together as a team __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ we seem to be playing on different teams when one way doesn’t work, we try another __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ we never try new ways to solve problems everyone feels extra support when they need it __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ everyone feels abandoned when they really need support Org parents are ultimately in charge in this family _30__/_24__/_18__/_12__/__6__ kids seem to have more control than parents C. ____________________________ Int tell each other important things __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ keep many important secrets from one another listen to each other respectfully __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ always butt in or ignore each other get across well to each other __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ never seem to understand each other work together when necessary __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ fight when cooperation is needed try new ways to solve problems __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ do it the way it was always done there for each other when really needed __5__/__4__/__3__/__2__/__1__ always in the way or never there when needed Org treat each other as adults _30__/_24__/_18__/_12__/__6__ act like parents and children


Slide25 : SYSTEMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT [SAFE] SCORING & GRAPHING INSTRUCTIONS Using the assigned weights to each response, total the Interactional scores under each A/B/C subsystem level [1st 6 questions] and plot that sum with the Organizational score [last question under each level] as the coordinates on the graph; identify the plotted points as 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 2-A, 2-B, & 2-C. Using different colors to mark each family member provides a visual family system comparison on one graph. To obtain a total family system mean score for each family member's perspective, sum the scores for all the subsystem levels used [T blank below] and divide by the number of levels used to obtain the M score; the mean scores are most useful in research. The differences in ratings of the family members can help identify unresolved conflicts likely to interfere with mediation. interactional 30 24 18 12 6 24 competent discordant organizational 18 12 disoriented chaotic 6 SAFE Scores Compiled: Client file number:______________ interactional organizational Family member: 1 = mother/wife 1 2 1 2 2 = father/husband A _____ _____ _____ _____ Date of completion_____________ B _____ _____ _____ _____ GARF rating today_____________ C _____ _____ _____ _____ [I = _____; O = _____; E = _____] [T _____ _____ ] [ _____ _____ ] M _____ _____ _____ _____


Children’s version of SAFE : Children’s version of SAFE


Intervention Recommendations from SAFE : Intervention Recommendations from SAFE


DSM IV TOOL: GARF : DSM IV TOOL: GARF


Metaphorical Version of GARF : Metaphorical Version of GARF


Slide30 : GARF Self-Assessment for Families form developed by Lynelle C. Yingling, PhD Directions: Think of each of the items below in terms of your family and how well it functions now. In the blank to the left of each item, assign a rating of 1-10, with 10 being the best and 1 being the worst. If you think some important characteristic of family functioning is left out, add that item on the “Other” line under the category it best fits and then rate it. After rating each item, circle the 3 items from the entire list you believe would need to change in order to make this family work well. A. Problem solving/interactional skills for making this family work well 1 _____ Negotiating family goals, rules, & routines 2 _____ Adapting to stress 3 _____ Communicating 4 _____ Resolving conflict 5 _____ Other:______________________________________________________________________________ B. The way this family is organized and structured 1 _____ Maintaining boundaries so that each individual has some personal "space" 2 _____ Keeping "space" for parents separate from kids 3 _____ Parents working together to lead this family effectively 4 _____ Distributing the power, control, & responsibility appropriately 5 _____ Other:______________________________________________________________________________ C. How members of this family feel about being a part of this family 1 _____ Feeling free to experience a wide range of feelings 2 _____ Showing a high quality of caring, empathy, involvement & attachment/commitment to each other 3 _____ Sharing of values 4 _____ Showing affection, respect, & regard 5 _____ Experiencing a high quality of appropriate sexual functioning 6 _____ Other:______________________________________________________________________________ Family Member: ___wife/mother ___husband/father ___daughter ___son ___other:____________


GARF Self-Assessment scoring : GARF Self-Assessment scoring Scoring Instructions: Add the points under each of the “A”, “B”, and “C” categories and record in the Total Points blank below. Divide the Total Points by the number of items in that category to calculate the Average Raw Score for that category. Multiply each Average Raw Score by 10 to calculate the GARF score for each of the 3 areas. These scores can then be plotted on the GARF Profile Chart. A. Problem solving/interactional skills: _____ Total Points [sum of ratings under this category] _____ Average Raw Score [sum of ratings divided by the number of items scored in the category] _____ GARF Score [Average Raw Score multiplied by 10] B. Organizational structure: _____ Total Points [sum of ratings under this category] _____ Average Raw Score [sum of ratings divided by the number of items scored in the category] _____ GARF Score [Average Raw Score multiplied by 10] C. Emotional Climate: _____ Total Points [sum of ratings under this category] _____ Average Raw Score [sum of ratings divided by the number of items scored in the category] _____ GARF Score [Average Raw Score multiplied by 10]


All you ever wanted to know about GARF : All you ever wanted to know about GARF


FAMILY CRISES : FAMILY CRISES


DIVORCE STAGES MODELS : DIVORCE STAGES MODELS Richard Mathis Emily Brown Craig & Sandra Everett Paul Bohannan Connie Ahrons Isolina Ricci


Mathis model: : Mathis model: Intact Nuclear Pre-Divorce Nuclear Divorcing Binuclear Post-Divorce Binuclear Recognize death & announce funeral [begins to shake system] Adults renegotiate system rules [chaotic state – mediation] Using new rules for unmarried parents [refinement takes years]


Brown model: : Brown model: PC PC PC Family Systems p. 31


Everett model: : Everett model: Marital Decoupling Network Coupling [FOO, social, career, drugs] Parental Recoupling


MARITAL DECOUPLING : MARITAL DECOUPLING Heightened ambivalence Distancing


NETWORK COUPLING : NETWORK COUPLING Preseparation fantasies & actions Physical separation Pseudoreconciliation Predivorce fantasies Decision to divorce Recurring ambivalence Resolving disputes – mediation Resolving disputes – litigation Legal divorce finalized


Parental recoupling : Parental recoupling Postdivorce coparenting Remarriage of one parent Blended family formation Remarriage of second parent Dual-family functioning


CLASS EXERCISE : CLASS EXERCISE Assign stages for review: Stages 1-2 Stages 3-6 Stages 7-10 Stages 11-15 Review descriptors Share example of someone’s experience during those stages Recommend interventions that could provide needed support to move through stage/s as efficiently as possible


Bohannan model: : Bohannan model:


Ahron’s 5 transitional phases from nuclearity to binuclearity: : Ahron’s 5 transitional phases from nuclearity to binuclearity: Individual cognition by 1 spouse Employs coping strategies Duration varies Family metacognition Ambivalent feelings Spousal roles dropping but not replaces Physical separation Roles & boundaries highly ambiguous Extremely stressful time Family reorganization Explore new roles: perfect pals, cooperative colleagues, angry associates, fiery foes Family redefinition Stable roles Unbalanced to # 4 by remarriage


Ahron’s reorganizing family parental roles: : Ahron’s reorganizing family parental roles:


Ricci’s relationship circles: : Ricci’s relationship circles: Acquaintanceship Friendship + Intimacy - Intimacy MARRIAGE DIVORCE Parallel Parenting [poor joint] Shared Parenting [stable coparenting] Cooperative Parenting [growth coparenting] From MOM’S HOUSE, DAD’S HOUSE by Isolina Ricci Exclusive Parenting [1 parent disengaged; relocation or remarriage may trigger]


Ambivalence stages: pre-ambivalent, ambivalent, & post-ambivalent : Ambivalence stages: pre-ambivalent, ambivalent, & post-ambivalent


DIVORCE THERAPY STAGES : DIVORCE THERAPY STAGES Pre divorce decision-making Therapist focuses on divorce as an alternative, appraises consequences, & facilitates nondestructive communication Divorce restructuring Therapist facilitates family deciding legal, emotional, financial, social, & parental arrangements Post divorce adjustment Therapist facilitates individual growth, parenting effectiveness, & remarriage preparation


OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION FOR UNDERSTANDING DIVORCING FAMILY PROCESS : OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION FOR UNDERSTANDING DIVORCING FAMILY PROCESS


ADVICE FOR RELATING WITH FORMER SPOUSE : ADVICE FOR RELATING WITH FORMER SPOUSE Stick to business Be alert to double signals Avoid judgment words Respect your former spouse’s independence & don’t hesitate to stand up for your own Examine expressions of disinterested friendship from (or toward) your former spouse


Social Exchange Theory for Divorce Decision-Making : Social Exchange Theory for Divorce Decision-Making Source: Albrecht, S.L. & Kunz, P.R. The decision to divorce: A social exchange perspective. Journal of Divorce, 3(4), 319-37.


Perceived Barriers to Deciding to Divorce : Perceived Barriers to Deciding to Divorce No financial support [women] Children [men] Personal religious beliefs Difficulty of divorce laws Parents Friends Negative counsel from religious leaders Fear of unknown Spouse didn’t want divorce Neighbors


Factors Influencing Decision to Divorce : Factors Influencing Decision to Divorce Personal unhappiness [women] To get out of bad situation Alternative $ support Involved with someone else [men] Ease of divorce laws Children’s desires Parents’ desires Spouse made decision Never loved each other Approval of religious leader Children grew up & left home Divorced friends Desertion Non-divorced friends


Systemic Approach to Anger Management : Systemic Approach to Anger Management Look at underlying needs Assess circular patterns Define rules creating patterns Interrupt patterns  2nd order change in rules which govern behaviors used to meet needs


Mace’s Anger Cycle : Mace’s Anger Cycle


Ways to Remove Fear: : Ways to Remove Fear:


Steps to Dissolving Anger [Fear] : Steps to Dissolving Anger [Fear] Accept anger as a legitimate emotion Vow to not “spit” on each other Help other understand primary emotion under the anger [need] Appreciate differences


Choices in Settling Disagreements : Choices in Settling Disagreements Mutual Capitulation Compromise Co-exist


Hagar’s Style : Hagar’s Style


Group Exercise : Group Exercise Consensual answer: How would you explain to a friend what they could expect to go through if they decided to divorce, and what pitfalls should they beware of?


IMPLICATIONS OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING FOR PARENTING COORDINATION : IMPLICATIONS OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING FOR PARENTING COORDINATION Assess family functioning in order to Meet family needs Improve service Reach successful outcomes


SERVICE NEEDS OF DIVORCING FAMILIESmodel developed by Lynelle C. Yingling, PhD : SERVICE NEEDS OF DIVORCING FAMILIES model developed by Lynelle C. Yingling, PhD MEDIATION RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED MEDIATION AGREEMENT-FOCUSED MEDIATION DIVORCING FAMILY EDUCATION LEGAL EDUCATION CONJOINT DIVORCE THERAPY CUSTODY EVALUATION LEGAL COUNSEL ADJUDICATION JUDGE SANCTIONING FAMILY AGREEMENT 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 FAMILY FUNCTIONING RESOURCES LEGAL AGREEMENT RESOURCES concurrent services consecutive services joint program team


How can we assess conflict level : How can we assess conflict level and coordinate with most effective service?


Ricci’s model to match families with dispute resolution processes: : Ricci’s model to match families with dispute resolution processes: Family Systems p. 38


Ricci’s matching family needs p 38 : Ricci’s matching family needs p 38 Maybe 30% sent to mediation should not be: 20% need other services 10% need no services 30% sent to mediation use simple mediation 20% sent to mediation need confluent mediation 20% unknown


ASSIGNMENT : ASSIGNMENT Construct genogram with marriage & divorce patterns/messages Hypothetical family reorganization at age 12


CRITICAL QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT : CRITICAL QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT Is PC a specialized practice of family therapy?