Introduction to Structural Family Therapy (SFT)
Structural Family Therapy (SFT), developed by Salvador Minuchin,
focuses on family structures and their influence on personal and
relational dynamics. It aims to identify and restructure
dysfunctional family patterns to promote healthier relationships.
Brief Biography of Salvador Minuchin
Salvador Minuchin (1921-2017) was an influential therapist from
Argentina, known for developing SFT. His early life, marked by
hardships and strong family ties shaped his approach. Trained as
a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, Minuchin dedicated his
career to helping families through hands-on therapy.
Understanding SFT
SFT was introduced in 1974 and focuses on reorganizing family
interactions. Problems arise when family boundaries—particularly
between parents and children—are unclear or too rigid. SFT helps
clarify and make these boundaries more flexible to restore
balance and improve coping.
Objective and Purpose of SFT
The goal of SFT is to transform family interactions by establishing
clear roles and boundaries. Therapists guide families to break free
from harmful patterns fostering better communication and more
supportive relationships. SFT is particularly helpful in families
facing conflict mental health challenges, or life transitions.
Structural View of Family
According to Jorge Colapinto, SFT looks beyond behaviors to
identify underlying patterns in family structures that cause
dysfunction. The therapist works to reorganize these patterns,
providing new coping mechanisms for healthier family
interactions.
The Process of SFT
Stage 1: Rapport Building
Joining: The therapist builds trust by understanding the family’s
dynamics and showing empathy.
Accommodation: The therapist adapts to the family’s unique
cultural and relational patterns to build a strong therapeutic
relationship.
Stage 2: Diagnosis
Boundary Making: The therapist helps create healthier boundaries
within the family, ensuring that each member can grow while
staying connected.
Enactment: Dysfunctional family interactions are acted out in
therapy, allowing the therapist to observe and help the family
explore new, healthier behaviors.
Stage 3: Restructuring
Restructuring: The therapist challenges the family’s existing
structure to foster positive change.
Reframing: The therapist helps the family see their problems from
a new perspective, encouraging them to adopt healthier ways of
interacting.
Theological Reflection
Salvador Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy (SFT) offers
practical insights that align with Christian teachings on strong
family relationships. The Bible affirms the importance of unity
within families as seen in Psalm 133:1, which speaks of the
beauty of families living in harmony. Jesus Christ, often seen as
the ultimate healer, valued strong relationships and his ministry
was focused on reconciliation and wholeness. Pastors and
ministers using SFT principles can identify unhealthy patterns in
families, provide guidance, and help restructure relationships
much like Christ rebuilt broken bonds. In modern times families
face challenges such as changing roles, migration, and education,
which sometimes weaken traditional structures. SFT can help
pastors in Northeast India address these issues by integrating
traditional values with therapeutic techniques. By improving
communication, pastors can act as counsellors guiding families
toward healthier relationships that reflect biblical ideals of love
and support.
Conclusion
Structural Family Therapy is a helpful tool for promoting healing
within families, addressing dysfunctions and creating healthier
more loving relationships. This aligns with biblical principles of
love, unity, and care as seen in Psalm 133:1. Pastors and
therapists who use these techniques can help families become
stronger, guiding them towards harmony and resilience amid
modern challenges.
