Blackwell Reference Online

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Joining is described by Minuchin (Minuchin, 1974) as key in accessing the family's structure: ‘The therapist's data and his diagnoses are achieved experientially in the process of joining the family’ (Minuchin, 1974, p. 89). The structural family therapy model pays particular attention to the activities of the therapist as actor and agent for change. ‘In order to join the family, [the therapist] emphasizes the aspects of his personality and experience that are syntonic with the family's. But he also retains the freedom to be spontaneous in his experimental probes.’ (p. 91). Whereas joining receives particular importance in the description of Structural Family Therapy, it is a process which if not addressed in all approaches to therapy within the different theoretical frameworks, will result in therapeutic impasse, and at worst, in failure. Thus, near the other end of the therapeutic continuum, in Milan Systemic therapy, the therapist maintains a position of neutrality and avoids allying with any individual or aspect of change. The therapist must still through circular questioning and addressing the beliefs which organise family relationships and behaviours, ‘join’ with each person present, except that the process is implicit or covert unlike structural therapy. Joining is not a once for all activity. It is part of the process from beginning to end of therapy, although it may be ... log in or subscribe to read full text