Strategic family therapy is one of the major theoretical models used to counsel families in distress. Many approaches used in psychotherapy focus on underlying issues that cause problematic behavior, but strategic therapy is less focused on each family member's weaknesses and more focused on her strengths. It is goal-driven and task-oriented. It puts the family members' attributes into a positive light.
Features
Many theories of psychotherapy follow the belief that if a person can understand why he behaves the way he does, he will change. That is not the focus of strategic therapy. The strategic therapist focuses on the present and how to change the future. Jay Haley, a pioneer of strategic family therapy, states that a strategic therapist is responsible for creating specific goals for each member of the family, while guiding the family as a whole toward conflict resolution.
History
Strategic therapy has its basis in the 1950s. Psychiatrist Milton Erickson was a force behind the development of family theory. Gregory Bateson, who studied human communication from an anthropological perspective, influenced Erickson's work greatly, beginning the basis of strategic family therapy. Salvador Minuchin is a pioneer of another theory of family therapy--the structural model. He had a profound understanding of family systems. Together, the work of the three men established the building blocks of the strategic style.
Techniques
The techniques used in strategic therapy involve assessing what the family's unique capacities are in terms of reaching specific goals, as each family member is likely to have different skills in handling conflict. Developing goals that are practical and tangible are important. Most techniques involve shifting the communication styles within the family. One technique is to have different family members try out each others' communication style to gain greater empathy for each other. It may also involve a technique called "reframing," in which perceptions of a problem are shifted, allowing a new perspective on the issues.
Misconceptions
Many people have misconceptions about what family therapy is about. They often fear having to dredge up issues from the past, or that blame will be placed upon individual members for the family's problems. Strategic approach is a positive, solution-oriented style. It focuses on developing clear-cut goals and does not spend much time looking at past issues.
Resources
Resources available, if you know where to look. Many doctors, medical facilities and health insurance providers can provide references to therapists. Another resource is the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). Practitioners who are members of this group are certain to have experience and training specifically with families.
