e gathering data, it is necessary to have a plan of action before proceeding. Certain family aspects can be concluded such as if the family has only two people, it is probable that they rely on each other to a great degree. Other characteristics vary. Some families move constantly, one parent may be absent, stepparent families are common, and some children live in foster families. Some families are out of control and others are somatic. With so many variations to consider, the therapist must view transactions and ascertain each individual family structure.
Change. Family therapists agree that the dysfunctional aspects of a family that upset homeostasis, need to be challenged and changed. The structural approach views the family as a complex system that functions together. When something is presented which undermines the existing homeostasis, a crisis results and the therapist needs to realign the sub-systems to change the entire system. While the family may present with a problem symptom, it is the entire family and their reality that need to be challenged and changed.
Reframing. Families have a frame of reference and when this frame clashes with reality, it needs to be reframed. The therapist helps the family identify their idiosyncratic histories and immediate resistance to change. What is considered relevant to the family is a focus as the therapist helps the family reframe their relationship with this focus.
Enactment. Minuchin and Fishman pointed out that rather than simply ask a family questions for an understanding of their interactions and reactions, the therapist will learn more from an enactment of a family situation. The use of enactment also allows the therapist an opportunity to help the family interact in different ways. Thus while initially, the enactment would include spontaneous transactions, the second phase would include elicited transactions, and the third phase would include alternative tra...