Table of ContentsSummaryIntroductionHistoryCurrent LiteratureSimilarities to Other TheoriesPersonal IntegrationConclusionReferencesSummaryThis research aims to identify prominent figures, historical and current events, hypotheses, theory development , concepts and techniques related to structural theory. It will describe how to integrate biblical scriptures and the author's own approach to faith and family counseling to help the family in need. In this writing, the intention is to demonstrate the knowledge, concepts and family approach of this theory and how it relates to other cutting edge theories used in the field of counseling. This research is in two parts; the first part will show the historical content; the second part will show the reflections and interpretation. It will show a Christian view of concepts related to structural theory. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayIntroductionStructural family therapy is characterized by its emphasis on family structure and organization. Systems theory is a broad term in common use, incorporating general systems theory and cybernetics, referring to the view of networked units or elements constituting the organized whole. In this research, the intention is to demonstrate knowledge of structural theory in history and the present, exploring the different techniques, concepts and hypotheses. Structural theory can be applied to any family, but the Turner family's healing process is best suited. When conceptualizing the family as an integral part, the family's relationships with other parties such as community, peers, and socioeconomic status are important for intervention. The theory has three main parts: the entire family system, the influence of the family's hierarchical organization, and the interdependent functioning of its subsystems. HistorySalvador Minuchin is a leading figure of the structural model. He was raised in Argentina by European immigrant parents. He worked in the United States for about 18 months training as a child psychologist, then returned to Israel to work with Holocaust victims. Structural family therapy came to the forefront of family therapy during a period of research and emphasis on theory when Minuchin's Wltwuych School Project became a groundbreaking study of slum families in the city ​​center. Therapists such as Bowen, Satir, Haley, and Minuchin recognized that individuals were best understood in the context of their family and system. In structural family therapy, it focuses on the entire family system and how it functions as a whole as well as its subsystems all working together. The family system may or may not be effective in bringing positive things to the family, but it works for each family as a way of functioning. The approach developed, structural family therapy, is realistic and problem-solving oriented. Therapists and other professionals licensed to help treat the family were common in the 1960s. Minuchin challenged today's norms by inviting the entire family to the session. Other prominent figures in structural theory include Dr. Charles Fishman, Harry Aponte, and Lindblad-Goldberg, originally from Philadelphia. They have worked with families from all over the world with familieseconomically needy. For example, families who live in the countryside in Russia. They would work with low-income families to show them different ways to cope with their current situation. According to Minuchin (1985), the main principles of systems theory are as follows: 1) every system is an organized whole; the objects within the system are necessarily independent; 2) the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; 3) systems are composed of subsystems; 4) the models of a system are circular rather than linear; 5) complex systems are composed of subsystems; 6) systems are homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the stability of their patterns; 7) evolution and change are inherent to open systems. When therapists use this theory and therapy, it is important to note that the systems affect people in all areas. In his work as a therapist, Minuchin took responsibility for strengthening the family system, developing appropriate family boundaries, and modifying family dysfunction using restructuring techniques such as joining the family, observing the relationships between families and the therapist , and question their functioning in an insightful and innovative way. The family is a system linked to other subsystems which may be the community, other parts of the family and the bases of family life. Minuchin believed his role was to be “in charge” in the process of therapeutic change and he encouraged others to be responsible as well. This is important to note because it is the family hierarchy that is responsible. If the hierarchy does not take responsibility, the family could be condemned. Structural models emphasize struggle within the family and use spatial and organizational comparisons to define problems and detect solutions. Structural therapy is one of the formative models of family therapy. He helped pave the way for other family theories through his groundbreaking studies. It addresses all human behavior with the aim of identifying relationships that normalize human relationships. (Wycoff and Cameron, 2000). Structural theory focuses on relationships within the family setting. When working with families, different interventions will work using this model. The main determinants of structural theory are the completeness of the family system, the influence of the hierarchical organization of the family and the interdependent functioning of its subsystems. The different factors of this theory are operational rules, definition of boundaries, complementarity of functions and identification of certain subsystems, to name a few. Clearly defined boundaries between subsystems help maintain separation and at the same time emphasize belonging to the overall family system. Defining roles in therapy helps uncover elements during sessions, such as over-involved members of a subsystem, and helps create boundaries to help improve the family system. When a family presents to therapy with concerns about their child's behavior, the therapist may use structural therapeutic intervention at the family and macrosystem levels. Structural theory will work like any other theory, but success depends on how the therapist or counselor uses the therapeutic processes and interventions. The effectiveness of any theory-based treatment model depends on compliance and the quality of non-specific therapeutic processes (Sheehan and Friedlander, 2015). Some of theInterventions used in therapy are structural mapping, imbalance, challenging unproductive assumptions, adherence and adaptation, and raising awareness so that the system needs to change. Identifying boundaries such as the sibling subsystems or the parental subsystem helps resolve several areas of family dysfunction. Family systems use power, alignments, and coalitions to make family activities familiar and can define the system. When therapists or counselors use this type of theory, they join a family system and adapt to its emotional style. This is the first step for the therapist to learn how this particular system works and how they interact with each other. The therapist observes, listens, distinguishes different things about the family so that recommendations or modifications can be made by the family. It also allows the family to see that the therapist is a willing outsider who looks in and somehow becomes a part of the family with them. One of the fundamental assumptions of his structural family therapy is that individuals are viewed in the context of their family; families are considered in the context of their community (Rockinson-Szapkiw, et. al., 2011). What happens if a person feels they have no community in which to be considered? As an example, the role of the military, where many different people come to serve the country, can be seen as a family structure. The military has several different subsystems that a person can be a part of. In my experience, I was part of a battalion, which is a group of companies (people) that serve a primary purpose in the military. There were several, and within these companies they had their own rules in addition to the main rules that everyone had to follow. changes occurring in people (Rockinson-Szapkiw, et. al., 2011). It is imperative that counselors be aware of the growing changes in the field of family counseling in order to maintain their effectiveness in family systems. In this changing world, marriage and family therapists, while continuing to consider the family, will need to move beyond the individual, family and community (emic) to adopt a universal or global orientation (etic). in counseling and psychotherapy theory, research, and psychotherapy. practical. In the current literature, only five models of family therapy have been used by more than 1% of all articles in some journals (i.e., in addition to EFT, Bowen/transgenerational therapy, cognitive marital therapy, contextual therapy and structural therapy). For emerging researchers, such as MFT graduate students, theory tends to be less emphasized in scientific research training. It prevails in subsequent research necessary to continue evolving in the field. The findings suggest that in recent years, family therapy researchers and scholars have increasingly examined the connection between theory and empirical research, indicating encouraging advances in theory and practice. Family members may lose perspective, show the effects of immediate situations on past events, and feel overwhelmed or cut off from painful feelings and connections. (Walsh, 2003). Family counseling has become more necessary than ever in the face of the growing problems of our young people. With the events happening in the news, with people being shot by police, gang violence anddrug epidemic in families, family counseling is more necessary than ever. Then in the community, the bigger picture is that it's detrimental to our foundation as a unit. Being cut off from situations that happened in the past not only hinders growth, but also provides an opportunity to move beyond outdated thought patterns. Similarities with other theories. Therapists such as Bowen, Satir, Haley, and Minuchin recognized that individuals were best understood in the context of their family and system (Rockinson-Szapkiw, et. al., 2011). The following aspects of therapeutic relationships have been distinguished: bonding, empathy, consensus of objectives, positive regard, congruence, collection of patient comments, repair of relational ruptures, avoidance of countertransference and adaptation to the individual patient. By learning structural theory, the whole world is made up of systems, which forms the basis for other theories. With Minuchin's revolutionary ideas and concepts such as boundaries, disengagement, and enmeshment, he has profoundly influenced the fields of psychology, psychiatry, counseling, business, and education. Structural, strategic, and cognitive-behavioral family therapy focuses on breaking or changing family patterns. On the other hand, structural family therapy does not focus on the unconscious situations of the family as psychodynamic theory does. Minuchin's later influences included Adler's work on the positive social aspects of goal-oriented individuals; the concept of family constellation; and the ability to make changes (Wycoff and Cameron, 2000). This shows the growing work in structural family theory and how work in counseling is still evolving in the area of ​​family system enrichment.Personal IntegrationI am a Christian. I have the hope and faith that got me through the tough times when my family system couldn't. Christian beliefs and values ​​are crucial resources during times of family stress and provide hope in the midst of despair (Balswick and Balswick, 2014). My faith has helped me get through the tough times of being a single parent and not knowing where my next meal is coming from. I have experienced several different things in my life that have caused depression, anger, despair, and confusion when it comes to my family life. The effects of stressors can be positive and supportive or negative and destructive. I have experienced things in my life that have shaken my faith, but knowing that I believe in God has grounded me. Learning this theory, doing my family genogram, and looking at the types of things my family experiences has given me perspective on how my family is the way it is and what it would take to be healthier. I left home by faith when I entered the military in 1999. I had to learn to live without my family. Although it was difficult at times, I found it to be worth it. Locations in the social structure (e.g., participation in community organizations, involvement in social networks, and immersion in intimate relationships) increase the likelihood of accessing support which, in turn, serves the protective function against distress (Lin, Ye and Ensel, 1999). I had to change my family structure so I could continue to be productive. Due to moving from Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, and leaving the military, I had to change my thinking in regards to my family that I left behind. I looked for family among my friends and in my neighborhood in which I lived. Learn to live in the presentbeing able to survive without my family was difficult, but I survived the difficult times that lay ahead. According to family systems theory, a healthy family is flexible enough to adapt to developmental and cultural challenges, while supporting the growth of each member. I believe this to be true because in my life, my family was not able to adapt to the changes in my adult life. The changes in my adult life showed me that I could produce change in my own family system. Changing the way I think, do things, and show love to my family is completely different from what I learned growing up. I have changed for the better and am modeling what I would like to see in my children. My family was a suffering family. The injured family tends to control its members rather than empower them. Learning that people can learn from their suffering and still thrive was a pivotal moment in my life. Putting God in the middle of your life will change everything. Breakthrough comes when one receives God’s unconditional love (Balswick and Balswick, 2014). I have always known God and his love, but only when I was a child. Learning this lesson as an adult is a totally different thing. Most families find strength, comfort and guidance in adversity through connections to their cultural and religious traditions. As Christians we are taught to honor our parents, and in systems theory we are also taught to respect the patriarchal system. Although I learned to honor my parents, I didn't feel loved at the time. I only learned that they did their best when I grew up. Walking away from my dysfunctional family system and my faith in God has revealed to me that I truly can do all things through Christ Jesus. The paradox of resilience is that the worst times can also bring out the best in us. Going through generational things has taught me that you can step out and dare to be different. It took a lot of mistakes and head banging, but I learned that when you pray for something, God always answers. It may not be the answer you are looking for, but it is the answer God has for you. In the scripture it speaks of God and the answer to prayers. Scripture says, “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, ESV). I believe God puts us through all these things for a reason, and with that, I believe I have found my purpose. I was taught to go to church, learn God's way, and follow His word. Growing up in the family system I did, I was taught to “do as I say, not as I do.” This really disturbed me when I was a child. I still believe that I should follow God's way, but it should be something that is put into practice and not just preached by parents or elders. So where does this leave my family system? I believe God has a purpose for all of us, and that purpose for me is to be the forerunner of all dysfunction in my family system. Family systems theory in relation to my family, the boundaries are unclear. I've lived alone since I was 19, but when my mother is around, it seems like she won't let go of the patriarchal role she had when I was younger. Due to the power struggle in this area, we often have communication problems. My mother seems to have the old way of thinking that because she is the eldest, what she says is valid, but as an adult I think my mother should not have a patriarchal role in my household . According to family systems theory, a healthy family is sufficiently flexible, 8(1), 47-57.