What might a structural family therapist do with an over-involved mother and daughter?

In the context of structural family therapy, which emphasizes the importance of family dynamics and the roles individuals play within the family unit, assigning homework to practice new ways of relating is particularly effective. This approach allows the therapist to encourage the mother and daughter to engage in activities that can help shift their interactions and establish healthier boundaries.

Homework assignments can facilitate the practical application of concepts discussed in therapy, enabling family members to experiment with new behaviors in their natural environment. For the over-involved mother and daughter, this might involve setting aside specific times to spend together or separately, practicing effective communication techniques, or establishing boundaries that promote a healthier relationship dynamic.

This strategy aligns well with the goal of structural family therapy, which is to restructure the family system in a way that enhances functioning and promotes more adaptive interactions among its members. It empowers the family to implement changes actively rather than just discussing them during sessions, leading to more significant and lasting improvements in their relationship.

In contrast, while assigning a problem to resolve during a session and encouraging emotional expression could play a role in therapy, they may not directly address the structural issues within the mother-daughter relationship. Suggesting immediate separation would likely be counterproductive and could exacerbate existing tensions rather than fostering healthier dynamics. Therefore, the