Understanding Family Mapping in Therapy

Oct 7, 2024

Family Mapping in Therapy

Introduction

  • Presenter: Oliver, Clinical Director and Family Systems Therapist in Los Angeles.
  • Purpose: To introduce family mapping as a powerful tool in family therapy.
  • Audience: Both new and experienced therapists.

Basics of Family Mapping

  • Definition: A technique involving the use of boxes or squares on paper to represent people and their relationships.
  • Purpose: To visually capture dynamics such as distance, power, and boundaries in relationships.

Creating a Family Map

  1. Components of a Map:
    • Distance: Represents disconnection or separation; physically or temporally.
    • Boxes: Represents individuals, with size indicating influence or power.
    • Lines: Represents boundaries; double lines for rigid boundaries, single for healthy boundaries, dotted for porous.

Example Maps

  • Virtual Relationship:
    • Distance due to anonymity and geographic separation.
    • Power dynamics where the instructor has more influence.
  • Real-Life Examples:
    • In-person interactions involve different boundaries and less power difference.
    • Informal settings (e.g., meeting at a café) lead to porous boundaries and more equal power distribution.

Application in Family Therapy

  • Ideal Family Structure:
    • Parents with more power and authority.
    • Clear boundaries between parent and child subsystems.
  • Signs of Dysfunction:
    • Inverted hierarchy leads to externalizing symptoms (e.g., acting out).
    • Overlapping parent/child roles lead to behavioral issues.

Case Study: The Incredibles 2

  • Key Observations:
    • Violet's parentified role.
    • Cross-generational alliances (Dad siding with Violet against Mom).
    • Porous boundaries affecting family dynamics.

Treatment Planning

  1. Modify the Role of the Identified Patient (IP):
    • Reduce Violet's central role.
    • Empower parents to take parental roles.
  2. Clarify Boundaries:
    • Address parent conflicts to strengthen boundaries.
    • Encourage parental alignment outside of children’s presence.
  3. Address Enmeshment:
    • Empower Dad to set limits.
    • Address confusing dual messages from parents.

Conclusion

  • Family Mapping: A creative and subjective process that aids in understanding and treating family dynamics.
  • Encouragement: Therapists to continue learning and refining their family mapping skills.

Additional Resources

  • Subscribe: For more videos on family systems.
  • Comments/Questions: Encouraged below the video.