LCSW Family and Group Therapy Models

Question 1

In Bowen family systems theory, what is it called when two people in conflict draw in a third person to reduce their anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Triangulation

Answer

Triangulation is Bowen's term for pulling a third person into a two-person conflict to stabilize the relationship and lower anxiety, for example parents involving a child in their conflict.

Question 2

A family therapist focuses on boundaries, subsystems and hierarchy, and works to restructure enmeshed relationships. Which model is this?

Accepted Answer

Structural family therapy (Minuchin)

Answer

Salvador Minuchin's structural family therapy focuses on family organization (subsystems, boundaries and hierarchy) and changes dysfunctional structures, such as enmeshment, through techniques like enactment.

Question 3

In a new therapy group, members begin challenging the leader and arguing over roles. Which of Tuckman's stages is the group in?

Accepted Answer

Storming

Answer

Tuckman's stages are forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Storming is marked by conflict, power struggles and challenges to the leader.

Question 4

One group member keeps dominating the discussion. What is the leader's MOST appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the member's contribution and redirect by inviting others to share

Answer

Respectfully acknowledging the member and then redirecting the discussion protects group participation without shaming anyone. It also models healthy group norms.

Question 5

A family therapist gives a 'prescribe the symptom' directive, telling a couple to argue on purpose at a set time each day. Which model does this technique MOST reflect?

Accepted Answer

Strategic family therapy

Answer

Strategic family therapy (Haley, the MRI group) uses directives, including paradoxical interventions like prescribing the symptom, to disrupt problem-maintaining patterns.

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Practice Test

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Practice Test

LCSW Family and Group Therapy Models