Dr. Beth Forhman

Structural Family Therapy (SFT) is a form of psychotherapy that addresses patterns of interaction and organization within the family system. Developed by Salvador Minuchin in the 1960s, SFT is based on the premise that problems within an individual are often the manifestation of dysfunctional patterns and boundaries within the family unit. This therapy seeks to understand the invisible rules that govern family interactions and to intervene in the family’s structure to alter these patterns. By examining and restructuring the family’s organization, SFT aims to improve communication, enhance functioning, and resolve individual members’ symptoms. The therapist actively engages with the family, challenging unhelpful dynamics and experimenting with new ways of interacting that support healthier relationships.

A key concept in Structural Family Therapy is the notion of subsystems within the family, such as parental or sibling subsystems, each with its own boundaries. Problems arise when these boundaries are either too rigid, leading to disconnection and isolation, or too diffuse, resulting in enmeshments and a lack of autonomy. SFT therapists work to realign these boundaries to be more appropriate and functional, fostering a balance that promotes both togetherness and individuality. Techniques such as joining (engaging with the family in a way that respects and utilizes their structure), mapping the family structure (identifying the function of relationships within the family), and enactments (having family members act out their interactions during sessions) are commonly used. Through this process, families learn to navigate their relationships in ways that reduce symptoms and support the wellbeing of all members, leading to lasting change in both the individual and the family system.