Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Who is a key figure associated with structural family therapy?

1. Carl Rogers

2. Jay Haley

3. Salvador Minuchin

4. Virginia Satir

The correct answer is: Salvador Minuchin

Salvador Minuchin is a key figure associated with structural family therapy, a therapeutic approach that focuses on the organization and interaction patterns within families. Minuchin developed this model in the 1960s, emphasizing that issues within family dynamics often reflect deeper structural problems. He introduced concepts such as family roles, boundaries, and hierarchies, which help therapists assess and intervene in dysfunctional family patterns. By focusing on the structure of relationships within the family unit rather than just individual issues, Minuchin's work has had a profound influence on family therapy practices and training. Other figures in therapy, while influential in their own right, are associated with different approaches. For example, Carl Rogers is known for his client-centered therapy, Virginia Satir contributed significantly to communication and emotional expression within families, and Jay Haley is recognized for his work in strategic family therapy. However, it is Minuchin who is specifically tied to the foundational elements of structural family therapy.