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Question 1: Ecosystemic Conceptualisation
1. Describe the presenting problem
The presenting problem, as defined by the referral source and the parents, is Maya's behavioural and
emotional difficulties. The school teacher initiated the referral due to Maya becoming increasingly
withdrawn, missing school days, and experiencing a significant decline in academic performance.
Priya describes Maya as "completely unmanageable" and states, "We need someone to fix Maya
before she ruins her future." Raj agrees that Maya needs "firm boundaries." Maya, however, offers a
different perspective: "They brought me here because I'm the easiest person to blame." From an
ecosystemic perspective, the presenting problem is not simply Maya's behaviour but rather a pattern
of interaction within the family system that has crystallised around Maya as the symptom-bearer.
The family is experiencing difficulties in multiple domains, including the parental relationship,
intergenerational dynamics involving Asha, and the sibling subsystem (Becvar & Becvar, 2014).
2. Indicate the identified patient
The identified patient (IP) is Maya, the 16-year-old daughter. She is the family member upon whom
the problem is initially focused and who has been brought to therapy as the one needing to be "fixed"
(Becvar & Becvar, 2014).
3. Explain how the family's difficulties can be understood as relational rather than located
exclusively within Maya. Include in your answer, a description of the following first order
cybernetic (FOC) concepts, with examples from the case for each concept
From a systemic/cybernetic perspective, Maya's symptoms are understood as relational rather than
located exclusively within her. The family's difficulties can be understood through the following
first-order cybernetic (FOC) concepts:
Rules and Boundaries in the Family
Rules refer to the characteristic relationship patterns within the system, which express the values of
the system and define the roles appropriate to various behaviours. Boundaries are what distinguish a
system from other systems and may be inferred from repeated patterns of behaviour (Becvar &
Becvar, 2014).
In the Naidoo family, several implicit rules and boundary issues are evident. There appears to be a
rule that conflict between Raj and Priya should not be directly addressed. When the therapist asks
about their marriage independently of parenting, both become uncomfortable. Raj says, "There isn't
much to discuss," and Priya becomes tearful. This suggests a rule that the marital relationship is not
to be discussed or worked on directly.
Another rule appears to be that emotions, particularly those expressed by Priya and Maya, are to be
managed by Priya rather than by Raj. Raj becomes "visibly irritated when family members become
emotional during sessions" and says he does not "believe in over-discussing problems." This
suggests a rule that emotional expression is problematic.
Question 1: Ecosystemic Conceptualisation
1. Describe the presenting problem
The presenting problem, as defined by the referral source and the parents, is Maya's behavioural and
emotional difficulties. The school teacher initiated the referral due to Maya becoming increasingly
withdrawn, missing school days, and experiencing a significant decline in academic performance.
Priya describes Maya as "completely unmanageable" and states, "We need someone to fix Maya
before she ruins her future." Raj agrees that Maya needs "firm boundaries." Maya, however, offers a
different perspective: "They brought me here because I'm the easiest person to blame." From an
ecosystemic perspective, the presenting problem is not simply Maya's behaviour but rather a pattern
of interaction within the family system that has crystallised around Maya as the symptom-bearer.
The family is experiencing difficulties in multiple domains, including the parental relationship,
intergenerational dynamics involving Asha, and the sibling subsystem (Becvar & Becvar, 2014).
2. Indicate the identified patient
The identified patient (IP) is Maya, the 16-year-old daughter. She is the family member upon whom
the problem is initially focused and who has been brought to therapy as the one needing to be "fixed"
(Becvar & Becvar, 2014).
3. Explain how the family's difficulties can be understood as relational rather than located
exclusively within Maya. Include in your answer, a description of the following first order
cybernetic (FOC) concepts, with examples from the case for each concept
From a systemic/cybernetic perspective, Maya's symptoms are understood as relational rather than
located exclusively within her. The family's difficulties can be understood through the following
first-order cybernetic (FOC) concepts:
Rules and Boundaries in the Family
Rules refer to the characteristic relationship patterns within the system, which express the values of
the system and define the roles appropriate to various behaviours. Boundaries are what distinguish a
system from other systems and may be inferred from repeated patterns of behaviour (Becvar &
Becvar, 2014).
In the Naidoo family, several implicit rules and boundary issues are evident. There appears to be a
rule that conflict between Raj and Priya should not be directly addressed. When the therapist asks
about their marriage independently of parenting, both become uncomfortable. Raj says, "There isn't
much to discuss," and Priya becomes tearful. This suggests a rule that the marital relationship is not
to be discussed or worked on directly.
Another rule appears to be that emotions, particularly those expressed by Priya and Maya, are to be
managed by Priya rather than by Raj. Raj becomes "visibly irritated when family members become
emotional during sessions" and says he does not "believe in over-discussing problems." This
suggests a rule that emotional expression is problematic.
