Calvin's Issues Associated With Structural Family Therapy

In accordance with the family projection process describe by Bowen, Calvin’s school anxiety appeared to have resulted from my parents transmitting their anxieties onto my him (The Bowen Centre, 2017). Specifically, Calvin’s school anxiety appears to have resulted from my parents focusing on my brother out of fear that something was wrong with him, from my parent’s interpreting Calvin’s behaviour as confirming their fear, and from my parents treating my brother as if something is really wrong with him instead of the family system he resided in (The Bowen Centre, 2017). Also in agreement with structural family therapy, Calvin’s issues developed in a family with a weak hierarchical system that created a lack of guidance toward and power struggles

Moreover, Calvin’s issues developed in the context of a disengaged father and an enmeshed mother (Nichols, 2013). According to structural family therapy, children with an enmeshed parent are more likely to have a child who seems to have school anxiety because their child is resistant to their authority (Nichols, 2013). Furthermore, the child is reinforced by the “understanding” parent who permits them to stay home (Nichols, 2013). In my brother’s situation, my disengaged dad was too immersed in his work to enforce the household rules he laid out. Where as, my enmeshed mom was too permissive and “understanding” to facilitate independence and implement structure and boundaries.

Along with my brothers taking on the “problem child” roles within the family, I believe that my older sister and I took on the “the good child” role within the family. Again, in agreement with role theory, my brother’s roles complimented my sister and my own role within the family (Nichols, 2013). Eventually, I also took on the role of peacemaker within my family, particularly, between my parents or between my dad and brothers. As is typical of a peacemaker, I would side with the person who I perceived as the victim at the time (Nichols, 2013). Upon reflecting on my

If I am not careful, my role of peacemaker within my family may extend to families that I counsel as well. A therapist acting as a peacemaker in family counselling could have long-term negative implications for families (Nichols, 2013). For instance, a therapist who intervenes actively as a peacemaker may reduce the level of conflict between a couple or family in the short-term, but may in the long-term stunt their client’s ability to explore and resolve deep longings and resentments (Nichols, 2013). My tendency to take on a peacemaker role within my family and with other potential client’s families, likely stems from the fact that I am a little too anxious to smooth things over when there is conflict. Also, my propensity to take on a peacemaker role within relationships stems from my desire to see them happy. Although therapy should provide an environment where families feel safe and supported, I need to keep in mind that conflict is essential for the work of therapy (Nichols, 2013; Yalom, 2005). To find resolution or compromise in therapy, many uncomfortable issues need to be broached and explored (Nichols, 2013; Yalom, 2005). Additionally, conflict needs to occur or be discussed to allow traits or