22 Apr Family System Theories Comparison Chart

Choose two family systems theories (Bowenian, structural, strategic, or Satir) and one individual counseling theory studied in this course (any theory studied in Topics 1-5) and compare the three theories.

Part 1: Create a hypothetical family. Develop a scenario that has caused this family to seek counseling. The scenario should be 150-250 words in length. Be sure to include the following in the scenario: 1) Identify the members of the family; 2) The problem/focus of therapy; 3) Family rules which enabled the problem to continue; and 4) rationale for who the identified patient (IP) is.

Family Scenario:

Part 2: Complete the specific fields listed in the chart for each theory chosen. All sections will require a 50-75-word description except for the section where you list the three treatment interventions. Include a minimum of six scholarly resources in addition to the course textbook and in-text citation as appropriate. Include a full APA reference for the resources used below.

Multi-Person Family Therapy

(a session including more than one family member present)

Single Person Family Systems Approach

(a session using a family systems theory with only one person present)

Individual Counseling Theory

(any theory of your choice from Topics 1-5)

Theory

Roles of the Counselor and Client(s) (50-75 words each)

Describe the state of dysfunction

How would you describe the problem from each theoretical orientation? (50-75 words each)

Strategies for Change

How is change accomplished? (50-75 words each)

List Three Treatment Interventions

Intervention 1:

Intervention 2:

Intervention 3:

Intervention 1:

Intervention 2:

Intervention 3:

Intervention 1:

Intervention 2:

Intervention 3:

Important Ethical Considerations (50-75 words each)

Using clinical judgment, how would this theory help the family in your scenario establish a new homeostasis? (50-75 words each)

References

© 2026. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.