Which of the following is a theoretical orientation used in family therapy?

Which of the following is a theoretical orientation used in family therapy?

• A. Structural
• B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• C. Psychoanalysis
• D. Narrative Therapy

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how certain theories are specifically designed to work with families as systems. Structural therapy fits that focus perfectly. It treats the family as an organized system with subsystems, boundaries, and a hierarchy, and it aims to realign those structures so interactions become healthier. The therapist actively joins the family, observes how roles and boundaries operate, and uses techniques to reorganize the family’s structure—for example, strengthening parental authority, reducing enmeshment, and preventing disengaged patterns. By reshaping who holds power, how close members are, and how subsystems interact, the family can move toward more functional patterns. This orientation stands out because it centers on the organization of the family itself rather than on individual symptoms or internal processes of a single member. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily used to change thoughts and behaviors, often with individuals, though it can be adapted for families but isn’t the classic family-structure theory. Psychoanalysis focuses on deep intrapsychic processes and is not built around family system structure. Narrative therapy works with stories and meaning-making, another distinct approach within family work. Among these options, structural therapy is the most clearly defined theoretical orientation developed for and applied to families.

The main idea being tested is how certain theories are specifically designed to work with families as systems. Structural therapy fits that focus perfectly. It treats the family as an organized system with subsystems, boundaries, and a hierarchy, and it aims to realign those structures so interactions become healthier. The therapist actively joins the family, observes how roles and boundaries operate, and uses techniques to reorganize the family’s structure—for example, strengthening parental authority, reducing enmeshment, and preventing disengaged patterns. By reshaping who holds power, how close members are, and how subsystems interact, the family can move toward more functional patterns.

This orientation stands out because it centers on the organization of the family itself rather than on individual symptoms or internal processes of a single member. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily used to change thoughts and behaviors, often with individuals, though it can be adapted for families but isn’t the classic family-structure theory. Psychoanalysis focuses on deep intrapsychic processes and is not built around family system structure. Narrative therapy works with stories and meaning-making, another distinct approach within family work. Among these options, structural therapy is the most clearly defined theoretical orientation developed for and applied to families.