Marriage and Family Therapy terms
ABC-X Family Crisis Model -
Reuben Hill's model used to explain whether or not a stressful event would result in a crisis in some
families but not in others. A=the stressor, B=the family's crisis-meeting resources, C=the family's
definition of the stressor, and X=the crisis (see Double ABC-X Family Stress Model).
Accommodation -
Describes a variety of engagement techniques, such as joining, used principally by structural family
therapists in which the therapist adapts him/herself to the family's style of interacting
AAMFT -
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc., the primary national professional
association of MFTs. AAMFT is located in Washington, DC. Although AAMFT makes no direct
contribution to the licensing examination, many senior members have contributed test items. AAMFT
wrote the Code of Ethics, which is the basis for the MFT ethical codes in all states.
Acculturation -
the process by which immigrant group members adjust to the culture of their new country
Adaptability -
From Olson's Circumplex Model, a measure of the family's ability to respond and adapt to changes
in their lives. Also called "flexibility." Families are rated at four levels: rigid, structured, flexible, and
chaotic.
AIDS-Acquired-Immune-Deficiency Syndrome -
A chronic and infectious disease in which the body's immune system is damaged, making a person
vulnerable to a number of serious, sometimes fatal, infections and cancers (see Human Immuno-
Suppressant virus).
Alcoholics Anonymous-AA -
A self-help group that uses a 12-step program for recovery from alcohol addiction.
Alliance -
1. in the structural and strategic models, a bond or affiliation between tow or more family members.
Alliances differ from coalitions in that they are generally within a subsystem and not hidden.
2. in the domestic violence literature, refers to the redemptive phase of the abuse cycle, in which the
perpetrator promises never to act violently again and the victim agrees to participate in that goal.
Allopoetic Systems -
originated by postmodern Chilean biologist, Maturana: systems that can be controlled from the
outside, such as machines
Analysis of Variance - ANOVA -
a method of statistical analysis which enables researchers to determine the likelihood that a variable
being measured (dependent variable) is associated with a second variable (independent variable) by
,chance alone. If the deviation (variance) from the norm (frequency of association expected by change
alone) is sufficiently large, the variables are likely to be causally related.
Antilibidinal Ego -
from object relations theory, that part of the ego that is formed from interactions with the rejecting
object
Antilibidinal system -
from object relations theory, a repressed system within the ego characterized by aggression, rage,
and contempt
As If Structure -
From symbolic-experiential therapy, family members are encouraged to freely experiment as if they
were in the role of the other, so long as they understand that the role-play is symbolic. The process
allows family members to alternately experiment and return to their secure roles.
Avoider -
From Satir's experiential family therapy, one of five communication styles. The avoider tends to
distract others from potential conflict by acting helpless, weak, and lacking an understanding.
Balancing Power -
Equalizing access to power in a couple which is overly organized by a hierarchy.
Baseline -
A beginning observable, stable performance measure against which change, particularly behavioral
change, can be measured.
Beavers - Timberlawn Model -
an assessment tool used to rate the dimensions of competence and style in a family's functioning.
Competence dimensions are: adequate, optimal, midrange, borderline, and severely dysfunctional.
Stylistic dimensions are centripetal, centrifugal, and mixed.
Behavioral Exchange Theory -
from behavioral family therapy, a way of describing relationships in terms of costs and benefits.
Functional relationships have plentiful access to rewards and relatively few costs, while distressed
relationships have a scarcity of rewards relative to costs
Behavioral Family Therapy--BFT -
a theory and therapeutic model developed by Patterson, Reid, and others, based on principles of
learning and behavior change. In BFT, all family members are seen as part of the problem and
symptoms are reformulated into concrete observable behaviors, each of which will either be rewarded
or extinguished.
Bicultural -
people h belong to more than one culture and who are able to alternate between the cultures,
adjusting temporarily to each depending on the circumstances
Bilateral Pseudo-Therapy -
, from symbolic-experiential therapy, the tendency in some families for family members to be
therapists to one another. Therapists demand that the therapy be turned over to them, asserting that the
family has failed in its efforts at self-therapy (see battle of structure & battle of initiative).
Bilateral Transference -
a therapeutic stance in symbolic-experiential therapy in which the therapist adopts the language,
accent, rhythm, or posture of the family.
Biobehavioral -
biological factors that influence behavior, e.g. depression, that is caused, in part, by faulty
neurochemistry
Bi-Modal Feedback Mechanism -
From Ashby, the rule-bound mechanism by which a system remains unchanged so long as the
internal or external environment is stable, but when the fluctuation exceeds the range of stability the
system must respond in some new way. The system either breaks down or it makes a leap into new
leaves of functioning. The change results in a new set of patterns which, like the old pattern, is also
bound by rules, and it, too, remains unchanged, so long as the environment is stable.
Binuclear Family -
Families in which the parents are divorced, have remarried, and formed two intact nuclear families.
Blamer -
From Satir's experiential family therapy, one of five communication styles. The blamer judges and
complains, often for the purpose of bullying others into accepting his/her preferences.
Boundary -
In Minuchin's structural family therapy, boundaries are hypothetical dividers between or among
subsystems within the family or between systems. They are defined spatially by the ways family
members align with one another. They are set by the implicit or explicit rules concerning who
participates in which subsystem and in what manner. Boundaries and the subsystems they define may
change over time and with variable circumstances. In the structural model, boundaries are described as
either rigid, clear, or diffuse.
Boundary Interface -
The regions between each subsystem of the family and between the family and the suprasystem. In
family systems therapy this interface is referred to as the familial boundary.
Boundary Making -
A structural therapy technique in which the therapist establishes a functional semi-permeable (clear)
boundary where either a rigid or diffuse boundary had existed previously.
Unique Outcomes -
From NARRATIVE therapy, instances in which the client did not experience the problem for which
he/she seeks therapy. These exceptions to the problem (sparkling events) are highlighted in the therapy
to counteract a problem-saturated outlook
Unstoried Competencies -
, From NARRATIVE therapy, those competencies that the client possesses which are not part of
his/her dominant story and therefore are not expressed until the dominant story is reconstructed.
Visitor -
From SOLUTION-FOCUSED therapy one of three ways to characterize the client's level of
participation an commitment to change. A visitor does not bring a specific problem to therapy and does
not have a commitment to participating productively in treatment.
Vulnerability Stress Model (Diathesis-Stress Model) -
The notion that while some people have a predisposition or inherited vulnerability to a mental
illness, the actual manifestation of the illness is determined by life events, particularly stressful events
in the family
Working Through -
From PSYCHODYNAMIC therapy, insight leads clients to engage in new and more productive way
of behaving and interacting.
Token Economy -
a behavioral program in which tokens (secondary reinforcers) are dispensed for desirable behaviors.
The tokens can later be redeemed for desired items.
Tracking -
From STRUCTURAL FAMILY therapy, an engagement technique in which the therapist participates
in the existing family dynamic, while privately noting the dysfunctional or unbalanced processes being
enacted. The therapist must assume the "median" position--paying attention to him/herself while
engaging with the family.
Transactions -
From CONTEXTUAL theory, the patterns of family organization--hierarchy triangles, and
transactional sequences.
Transference -
A PSYCHOANALYTIC term to describe the client's unconscious tendency to attribute to the
therapist unresolved drives, attitudes, feelings, and fantasies from previous (often parental)
relationships
Triangle -
A BOWENIAN concept that refers to the smallest stable emotional unit in a family and describes a
process by which two people will recruit a third person into the system to mediate the level of conflict
or tension between them.
Triangulation -
From BOWENIAN FAMILY therapy, a dysfunctional process in which an unresolved conflict
between two people (often parents) is extended to include a third person (often their child) whose
loyalty is fought over
Unbalancing -
A STRUCTURAL technique designed to disrupt a dysfunctional sequence by lending greater support
to one side of a conflict than the other
ABC-X Family Crisis Model -
Reuben Hill's model used to explain whether or not a stressful event would result in a crisis in some
families but not in others. A=the stressor, B=the family's crisis-meeting resources, C=the family's
definition of the stressor, and X=the crisis (see Double ABC-X Family Stress Model).
Accommodation -
Describes a variety of engagement techniques, such as joining, used principally by structural family
therapists in which the therapist adapts him/herself to the family's style of interacting
AAMFT -
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc., the primary national professional
association of MFTs. AAMFT is located in Washington, DC. Although AAMFT makes no direct
contribution to the licensing examination, many senior members have contributed test items. AAMFT
wrote the Code of Ethics, which is the basis for the MFT ethical codes in all states.
Acculturation -
the process by which immigrant group members adjust to the culture of their new country
Adaptability -
From Olson's Circumplex Model, a measure of the family's ability to respond and adapt to changes
in their lives. Also called "flexibility." Families are rated at four levels: rigid, structured, flexible, and
chaotic.
AIDS-Acquired-Immune-Deficiency Syndrome -
A chronic and infectious disease in which the body's immune system is damaged, making a person
vulnerable to a number of serious, sometimes fatal, infections and cancers (see Human Immuno-
Suppressant virus).
Alcoholics Anonymous-AA -
A self-help group that uses a 12-step program for recovery from alcohol addiction.
Alliance -
1. in the structural and strategic models, a bond or affiliation between tow or more family members.
Alliances differ from coalitions in that they are generally within a subsystem and not hidden.
2. in the domestic violence literature, refers to the redemptive phase of the abuse cycle, in which the
perpetrator promises never to act violently again and the victim agrees to participate in that goal.
Allopoetic Systems -
originated by postmodern Chilean biologist, Maturana: systems that can be controlled from the
outside, such as machines
Analysis of Variance - ANOVA -
a method of statistical analysis which enables researchers to determine the likelihood that a variable
being measured (dependent variable) is associated with a second variable (independent variable) by
,chance alone. If the deviation (variance) from the norm (frequency of association expected by change
alone) is sufficiently large, the variables are likely to be causally related.
Antilibidinal Ego -
from object relations theory, that part of the ego that is formed from interactions with the rejecting
object
Antilibidinal system -
from object relations theory, a repressed system within the ego characterized by aggression, rage,
and contempt
As If Structure -
From symbolic-experiential therapy, family members are encouraged to freely experiment as if they
were in the role of the other, so long as they understand that the role-play is symbolic. The process
allows family members to alternately experiment and return to their secure roles.
Avoider -
From Satir's experiential family therapy, one of five communication styles. The avoider tends to
distract others from potential conflict by acting helpless, weak, and lacking an understanding.
Balancing Power -
Equalizing access to power in a couple which is overly organized by a hierarchy.
Baseline -
A beginning observable, stable performance measure against which change, particularly behavioral
change, can be measured.
Beavers - Timberlawn Model -
an assessment tool used to rate the dimensions of competence and style in a family's functioning.
Competence dimensions are: adequate, optimal, midrange, borderline, and severely dysfunctional.
Stylistic dimensions are centripetal, centrifugal, and mixed.
Behavioral Exchange Theory -
from behavioral family therapy, a way of describing relationships in terms of costs and benefits.
Functional relationships have plentiful access to rewards and relatively few costs, while distressed
relationships have a scarcity of rewards relative to costs
Behavioral Family Therapy--BFT -
a theory and therapeutic model developed by Patterson, Reid, and others, based on principles of
learning and behavior change. In BFT, all family members are seen as part of the problem and
symptoms are reformulated into concrete observable behaviors, each of which will either be rewarded
or extinguished.
Bicultural -
people h belong to more than one culture and who are able to alternate between the cultures,
adjusting temporarily to each depending on the circumstances
Bilateral Pseudo-Therapy -
, from symbolic-experiential therapy, the tendency in some families for family members to be
therapists to one another. Therapists demand that the therapy be turned over to them, asserting that the
family has failed in its efforts at self-therapy (see battle of structure & battle of initiative).
Bilateral Transference -
a therapeutic stance in symbolic-experiential therapy in which the therapist adopts the language,
accent, rhythm, or posture of the family.
Biobehavioral -
biological factors that influence behavior, e.g. depression, that is caused, in part, by faulty
neurochemistry
Bi-Modal Feedback Mechanism -
From Ashby, the rule-bound mechanism by which a system remains unchanged so long as the
internal or external environment is stable, but when the fluctuation exceeds the range of stability the
system must respond in some new way. The system either breaks down or it makes a leap into new
leaves of functioning. The change results in a new set of patterns which, like the old pattern, is also
bound by rules, and it, too, remains unchanged, so long as the environment is stable.
Binuclear Family -
Families in which the parents are divorced, have remarried, and formed two intact nuclear families.
Blamer -
From Satir's experiential family therapy, one of five communication styles. The blamer judges and
complains, often for the purpose of bullying others into accepting his/her preferences.
Boundary -
In Minuchin's structural family therapy, boundaries are hypothetical dividers between or among
subsystems within the family or between systems. They are defined spatially by the ways family
members align with one another. They are set by the implicit or explicit rules concerning who
participates in which subsystem and in what manner. Boundaries and the subsystems they define may
change over time and with variable circumstances. In the structural model, boundaries are described as
either rigid, clear, or diffuse.
Boundary Interface -
The regions between each subsystem of the family and between the family and the suprasystem. In
family systems therapy this interface is referred to as the familial boundary.
Boundary Making -
A structural therapy technique in which the therapist establishes a functional semi-permeable (clear)
boundary where either a rigid or diffuse boundary had existed previously.
Unique Outcomes -
From NARRATIVE therapy, instances in which the client did not experience the problem for which
he/she seeks therapy. These exceptions to the problem (sparkling events) are highlighted in the therapy
to counteract a problem-saturated outlook
Unstoried Competencies -
, From NARRATIVE therapy, those competencies that the client possesses which are not part of
his/her dominant story and therefore are not expressed until the dominant story is reconstructed.
Visitor -
From SOLUTION-FOCUSED therapy one of three ways to characterize the client's level of
participation an commitment to change. A visitor does not bring a specific problem to therapy and does
not have a commitment to participating productively in treatment.
Vulnerability Stress Model (Diathesis-Stress Model) -
The notion that while some people have a predisposition or inherited vulnerability to a mental
illness, the actual manifestation of the illness is determined by life events, particularly stressful events
in the family
Working Through -
From PSYCHODYNAMIC therapy, insight leads clients to engage in new and more productive way
of behaving and interacting.
Token Economy -
a behavioral program in which tokens (secondary reinforcers) are dispensed for desirable behaviors.
The tokens can later be redeemed for desired items.
Tracking -
From STRUCTURAL FAMILY therapy, an engagement technique in which the therapist participates
in the existing family dynamic, while privately noting the dysfunctional or unbalanced processes being
enacted. The therapist must assume the "median" position--paying attention to him/herself while
engaging with the family.
Transactions -
From CONTEXTUAL theory, the patterns of family organization--hierarchy triangles, and
transactional sequences.
Transference -
A PSYCHOANALYTIC term to describe the client's unconscious tendency to attribute to the
therapist unresolved drives, attitudes, feelings, and fantasies from previous (often parental)
relationships
Triangle -
A BOWENIAN concept that refers to the smallest stable emotional unit in a family and describes a
process by which two people will recruit a third person into the system to mediate the level of conflict
or tension between them.
Triangulation -
From BOWENIAN FAMILY therapy, a dysfunctional process in which an unresolved conflict
between two people (often parents) is extended to include a third person (often their child) whose
loyalty is fought over
Unbalancing -
A STRUCTURAL technique designed to disrupt a dysfunctional sequence by lending greater support
to one side of a conflict than the other
