, PYC4808 ASSIGNMENT 3 PORTFOLIO
DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
Family difficulties are often influenced by the relationships and interactions between
family members. A family should therefore not always be understood by focusing only
on one person or one behaviour. Family systems approaches view the family as an
interconnected system in which the actions, emotions and responses of one member
can affect the other members (Becvar & Becvar, 2009). An ecosystemic approach
extends this understanding by considering not only the family but also the wider social
environment in which the family exists.
Ecosystemic family therapy focuses on patterns of interaction, communication,
relationships and the context surrounding the family's difficulties. The therapist
considers how a problem develops and how family members respond to one another
when the problem occurs. This approach can prevent one family member from being
unfairly blamed for difficulties that may involve the wider family system (Becvar &
Becvar, 2009).
Structural Family Therapy is another important approach to understanding family
functioning. Developed by Salvador Minuchin, it focuses on family structure, boundaries,
subsystems, hierarchies, alliances and coalitions. Minuchin (1974) argues that
difficulties may develop when family structures and patterns of interaction become
rigid, unclear or inappropriate. The therapist therefore works with the family to
understand and, where necessary, reorganise these patterns.
Ethical considerations are also essential when working with families. Unlike individual
therapy, family therapy involves several people who may have different views, interests
and expectations. The therapist must therefore consider confidentiality, professional
boundaries, fairness, informed consent and the impact of therapeutic interventions.
DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
Family difficulties are often influenced by the relationships and interactions between
family members. A family should therefore not always be understood by focusing only
on one person or one behaviour. Family systems approaches view the family as an
interconnected system in which the actions, emotions and responses of one member
can affect the other members (Becvar & Becvar, 2009). An ecosystemic approach
extends this understanding by considering not only the family but also the wider social
environment in which the family exists.
Ecosystemic family therapy focuses on patterns of interaction, communication,
relationships and the context surrounding the family's difficulties. The therapist
considers how a problem develops and how family members respond to one another
when the problem occurs. This approach can prevent one family member from being
unfairly blamed for difficulties that may involve the wider family system (Becvar &
Becvar, 2009).
Structural Family Therapy is another important approach to understanding family
functioning. Developed by Salvador Minuchin, it focuses on family structure, boundaries,
subsystems, hierarchies, alliances and coalitions. Minuchin (1974) argues that
difficulties may develop when family structures and patterns of interaction become
rigid, unclear or inappropriate. The therapist therefore works with the family to
understand and, where necessary, reorganise these patterns.
Ethical considerations are also essential when working with families. Unlike individual
therapy, family therapy involves several people who may have different views, interests
and expectations. The therapist must therefore consider confidentiality, professional
boundaries, fairness, informed consent and the impact of therapeutic interventions.
