Case Cameo
‘Simon (14) came to therapy with his mother and step-father. He was displaying serious ‘acting-out’ behaviour and putting himself and others at risk. His mother was at her wits-end. She presented Simon to the family therapist as a problem that needed to be solved urgently.
The family attended a number of sessions. It is often the case that the ‘problem’ lays hidden from what is displayed on the surface. The therapist gently and respectfully works with all family members as a unit. Over time the family therapist drew a ‘genogram’ of family dynamics. This is a form of family tree that depicts the quality of relationships.
Simon’s family discovered that Simon felt abandoned by his biological father who had left the family unit 2 years previously. Simon’s step-father did not yet feel that it was his place to discipline Simon. He had entered the family unit 8 months ago. Indeed, Simon had greeted his step-father with hostility. In time the family was supported to create a contract. Boundaries were formed and roles clarified. Simon was no longer treated as a problem. His voice became heard within his family. He also expressed his anger and hatred towards his real father for deserting him. Simon no longer needed to act out his feelings. Support and respect began to mark the relationships.’