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A Family Systems Perspective to Recovery From Posttraumatic Stress in Children

Stephanie Bernardon and Francesca Pernice-Duca

The article describes how a family systems approach to working with children and families that have experienced trauma promotes reorganization necessary to build resourcefulness and resilience when experiencing challenges.  Focus of addressing the posttraumatic stress is to improve comprehensive family functioning.

1. Based upon information contained in the article, can you explain the benefit of addressing PTSD with an entire family system, compared to addressing it with an individual child (sole member of the system)?
2. Describe briefly the seven main approaches referenced in the article that are used to assist children and families in overcoming trauma.  What else would you include that is not listed or described in this article?
3. Can you outline a brief study that would examine the approach described in this article?  How would you measure the effectiveness of the family systems intervention?

Family Secrets: An Illustrative Clinical Case Study Guided by Bowen Family Systems Theory

Donna G. Knauth

The article describes the application of Bowen Family Systems Theory to understanding family relationship and symptom formation within a family system that includes family secrets.   The transmission of relationship formation across generations is examined for its influence on health.

1. Describe and give an example of the concept of “differentiation of self” within a family system.
2. What is the relationship described in the article between the existence of family secrets and level of differentiation within the family?  Do you agree or disagree with this description?  Why or Why not?
3. Table 2 describes Steps to Defining a Self.  Which step do you believe would me most difficult for you to facilitate when you work with clients?  Why would this step be difficult for you?