, PYC4808 ASSIGNMENT 3 PORTFOLIO ANSWERS - DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
Families can experience different problems that affect the way members communicate and
relate to one another. These problems are not always caused by one person. In many
situations, the behaviour of one family member can affect the behaviour of others, creating
patterns that may continue over time. Family therapy therefore looks at the family as a
connected system instead of focusing only on one individual (Becvar & Becvar, 2009).
The ecosystemic approach is useful because it considers the relationships within the family
as well as the environment around the family. Factors such as school, work, culture, financial
circumstances and relationships outside the home can also influence family life. The therapist
therefore needs to understand the family problem within its wider context (Becvar & Becvar,
2009).
Structural Family Therapy, developed by Salvador Minuchin, focuses on how the family is
organised. It looks at family structure, boundaries, subsystems, alliances and coalitions. The
approach suggests that family problems can sometimes develop when relationships and
boundaries between family members are not working effectively (Minuchin, 1974).
Ethical issues are also important in family therapy because the therapist works with more
than one person. Family members may have different opinions about the problem and may
expect different things from therapy. The therapist therefore needs to protect confidentiality,
respect each family member and remain aware of how their own views may influence the
therapeutic process (Becvar & Becvar, 2009).
2. SECTION A
QUESTION 1: ECOSYSTEMIC CONCEPTUALISATION
1.1 Presenting Problem
1. INTRODUCTION
Families can experience different problems that affect the way members communicate and
relate to one another. These problems are not always caused by one person. In many
situations, the behaviour of one family member can affect the behaviour of others, creating
patterns that may continue over time. Family therapy therefore looks at the family as a
connected system instead of focusing only on one individual (Becvar & Becvar, 2009).
The ecosystemic approach is useful because it considers the relationships within the family
as well as the environment around the family. Factors such as school, work, culture, financial
circumstances and relationships outside the home can also influence family life. The therapist
therefore needs to understand the family problem within its wider context (Becvar & Becvar,
2009).
Structural Family Therapy, developed by Salvador Minuchin, focuses on how the family is
organised. It looks at family structure, boundaries, subsystems, alliances and coalitions. The
approach suggests that family problems can sometimes develop when relationships and
boundaries between family members are not working effectively (Minuchin, 1974).
Ethical issues are also important in family therapy because the therapist works with more
than one person. Family members may have different opinions about the problem and may
expect different things from therapy. The therapist therefore needs to protect confidentiality,
respect each family member and remain aware of how their own views may influence the
therapeutic process (Becvar & Becvar, 2009).
2. SECTION A
QUESTION 1: ECOSYSTEMIC CONCEPTUALISATION
1.1 Presenting Problem
