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Because adverse childhood and family of origin experiences may have implications for adult relationships, the current study was designed to understand the associations between childhood family of origin adversities, and adult romantic relationship quality for individual African Americans in relationships (N = 1286) considering the potential intermediary role of coming to terms, self-esteem and depression symptoms. A structural equation model was conducted using a selection of data from the RELATE assessment (see www.relate-institute.org). Results revealed no direct effect between family of origin adversity and relationship quality, however there were several indirect effects carried through coming to terms, self-esteem, and depression symptoms. Results also suggested that coming to terms associated with higher self-esteem and lower levels of depressive symptoms for the African Americans in the current study sample. Clinicians may find it useful to focus on assisting African American individuals in coming to terms with childhood family of origin adversity as part of treatment for depression, self-esteem issues, and adult romantic relationship problems. Additional clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The founders of the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) have often spoken of the importance of having children present during therapy. However, children provide new challenges to any therapy session and therapists are often reluctant to invite them into session (Johnson and Thomas in J Marital Family Ther 25(1):117–123, 1999; Korner and Brown in J Family Psychol 3(4):420, 1990). Our littlest clients may be the most likely to trigger self of the therapist (SOT) reactions due to their emotional and reactive nature. Research has explored how licensed therapists view children in therapy and children's opinion about being included, (Miller and McLeod in Family J 9(4):375–383, 2001; Ruble in Contemp Family Ther 21(4):485, 1999; Sori et al. in Sori (ed) Engaging children in family therapy, Routledge, New York, 2006; Sori et al. in Family J 23(4):427–434, 2015) but less research has been devoted to how student and recent graduates respond to families and children. Further, there is almost no research addressing how a therapist's own family of origin may impact his or her clinical judgment. This study examines how current and recent marriage and family therapy students think about including children in therapy. Seventy-three participants completed the Family Therapy Questionnaire as well as questions related to their family of origin. Participants' responses were compared to prior studies on therapists' attitudes and the inclusion of children. Regression analysis showed that students' beliefs about including children in session were related to year in school as well as communication in one's family of origin. Clinical decisions regarding family-focused vignettes were also impacted by family of origin characteristics. These results, as well as future directions for research and MFT education, will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article represents an attempt to update the reader by bringing into focus some of the more important components of the Satir model. The intrapsychic aspect of therapy is explained in the form if an iceberg metaphor. The use of the Satir family map, or genogram, is illustrated for use in individual and family therapy. Also, the various steps of a Satir model therapy session are listed. The Satir model has developed into a brief, transformational change model while keeping the earlier theoretical base intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family reconstruction, as described by Virginia Satir, is important for its transformative possibilities. This therapeutic tool can integrate a person into the historical and psychological matrix of his or her family of origin. This article describes how a reconstruction can be accomplished in three hours by using certain steps and principles. A case study is provided illustrating these steps and principles, including the personal reflections of the participant group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of forgiveness in relationship systems and examines various conceptualizations and definitions found in the literature. Forgiveness is described as a complex psychological and relational process that is more a discovery than an act of will. A rationale for viewing forgiveness in a contextual, historical, and relational attachment paradigm is presented, and the association of forgiveness with empathy and emotional intelligence is discussed. Marital and family therapists are encouraged to attend to contextual family of origin issues and to facilitate an empathic relational environment where ambivalence is expected and tolerated for enhancing the process of forgiveness. Relevant clinical cases are shared to illustrate the process of forgiveness as discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To empirically investigate the construct validity of codependency, differences between young adults on a measure of codependency on theoretically relevant variables were examined. Compared with individuals who scored low on codependency, those who obtained high scores reported significantly more family of origin difficulties and parental mental health problems, problematic intimate relationships including relationships with chemically dependent partners, and personal psychological problems including compulsivity. Contrary to prevailing theoretical predictions the high codependency group did not contain more individuals whose parents had alcohol or drug abuse problems, or a higher level of childhood physical or sexual abuse. These results suggest that co-dependency is one aspect of wider multigenerational family systems problems which are not unique to families where drug and alcohol abuse or physical and sexual abuse are major concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure four areas of autonomy. The instrument is composed of four subscales that measure the following constructs of autonomy: (a) family loyalty autonomy, (b) value autonomy, (c) emotional autonomy, and (d) behavioral autonomy. A detailed four-step procedure was used to provide the scale with construct, content, and predictive validity. Presented here is the four-stage process used to develop the Autonomy Scale, data supporting the validity and reliability of the scale, and the final version of the instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replication of intergenerational patterns is considered here within the supervisor-family therapist-and family system, and the proposal of integrating a family of origin approach into the training of supervisors is presented. To become aware of the relation of one's own family of origin issues and their potential impact within the supervision and treatment can effectively improve intervention approaches, benefitting the supervisor, the therapist and the family in treatment. Being considerate of the training needs and levels of supervisors is an important component when integrating family of origin work into the training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]