Family Therapy

Family Info: The Adam’s family was recommended for treatment because of their daughter. 17-year-old Sarah
was in treatment for her OCD, anxiety and mild depression. Sarah’s therapist suggested that the family come
in for family therapy because Sarah’s problems stemmed from environmental stressors and early attachment
trauma.
The Adam’s family consists of mom, dad, Jessica (25), Rachel (24), Noah (23), Becky (21), Sarah (17), Liz
(12), Sammy (9). The presenting problems include:
1) Emotional neglect- dad works long hours, mom has Borderline Personality Disorder with narcissistic
features. The children have had to look out for their own validation and emotional support. Dad presents as
emotionally healthy but is busy caring for mom to focus on the children.
2) Physical neglect- mom does not believe it is her responsibility to prepare food, clean, do homework, or care
for the children. There is food in the house and laundry detergent but the children need to cook and wash
things on their own or with the help of the older children.
3) Poor boundaries- because of the neglect the children have taken on the role of ‘parent’ in varying capacities.
Of the older children, Becky feels the most responsible for the families emotional and physical well-being.
4) High level of interpersonal conflict between the parents and the siblings.
The reason the Adam’s are seeking treatment is because Sarah’s therapist has told Mr. and Mrs. Adam that
Sarah cannot continue treatment without it. Sarah’s therapist became concerned during a session that Mom
and Dad joined. She felt that as much progress that Sarah makes, it will be stunted by her family. The change
cannot come only from her.
Be sure to include an analysis from 2 different forms of family treatment. For example, According to the Bowen
Family Systems Theory, family problem stems from either rigid or collapsed boundaries. OR The emotional
triangles were evident in the Adam’s family. OR Based on the various parts of psychoanalytic family therapy,
the Adam’s are struggling with a number of unconscious drives and lack conscious awareness to function
without using defenses or emotional responses that they do not fully understand. OR According to drive theory,
people (especially children) do what they can to avoid hurt at all costs. OR The insecure attachment that all the
children have experienced has caused a lack of separation-ind