In structural strategic family therapy, what must occur in a family to reduce or eliminate an individual's symptoms?

In structural strategic family therapy, for an individual's symptoms to be reduced or eliminated, it is essential for structural changes to occur within the family system. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of the family structure—specifically, the organization and interactions among family members.

When structural changes happen, they often involve redefining roles, creating healthier boundaries, and improving communication patterns among family members. These changes help resolve dysfunctions that contribute to individual symptoms, promoting healthier family dynamics and reducing stressors that lead to psychological issues for one or more family members.

Addressing just the symptoms without altering the underlying family structure may lead to temporary relief but does not provide a long-term solution. By focusing on restructuring the familial interactions, the therapy aims to create a more supportive environment that can sustain positive changes and foster resilience within the family unit. Thus, structural changes are central to transforming the context in which the symptoms arise, thereby promoting lasting healing.