When multiple family members enter into a relationship with a therapist, there are two very distinct ways of approaching this relationship: from a group approach and through an understanding of each individual family member. Whitaker's family therapy model includes an experiential element that is important to recognizing the context in which family problems arise. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
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of each individual family member. A group perspective provides a basis for communication between family members and promotes an understanding of group dynamics in the family setting, but does
not inherently lend itself to the resolution of specific issues for individual family members. On the other hand, individual therapeutic relationships between the therapist and family members may provide
for a better understanding of individual conflicts or problems, but may not provide the necessary support to implement change in the family setting. As a result, the best relationship between
the client and therapist when addressing the needs of a family as a whole is to incorporate principles related to group therapy options with individual assessments and individual therapy.
This type of plan, then, is designed to determine the problems and strengths in the family and promote a greater level of communication necessary for change. Carl Whitakers Experiential
Theory Carl Whitakers experiential theory of family therapy relates the fact that family systems, homelife and culture all influence the development of dysfunction. In creating a method for change,
then, through an assessment of the family scenario, it is necessary to determine what interactive elements play out within the family structure and how relationships and the home environment determine
both conflict and methods for resolution. Experiential therapy, then, is a process that allows families to open channels of interaction and understand the elements that unite a family within
a family system in order to make changes internally (Corey, 2000). In other words, if the problems facing a family are related to familial structures or interactions, then the
family therapy model must take into consideration the complexities of these relationships and allow resolution to play out within the boundaries of this family system. The role of the