Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Who founded psychoanalytical family therapy?

1. Salvador Minuchin

2. Virginia Satir

3. Nathan Ackerman

4. Murray Bowen

The correct answer is: Nathan Ackerman

The foundation of psychoanalytical family therapy is attributed to Nathan Ackerman. He played a significant role in integrating psychoanalysis with family therapy, emphasizing the importance of family dynamics and emotional connections in understanding individual behavior. Ackerman viewed families as key systems contributing to the psychological well-being of their members, and he highlighted the deeper emotional and unconscious processes involved in familial relationships. His approach focused on addressing relational issues within the family unit and providing insights into how these dynamics influence individual thoughts and behaviors. This was a pivotal moment in the development of family therapy, as it bridged the gap between individual psychoanalytic theory and broader family systems, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of psychological distress. In contrast, other notable figures in family therapy, such as Salvador Minuchin, Virginia Satir, and Murray Bowen, developed their own distinctive methods and theories. While they made significant contributions to the field of family therapy, their approaches differ from the psychoanalytical framework established by Ackerman.