Discussion Response

Discussion Post Guidelines:

·
Acknowledge your classmates’ posts.

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Build upon these posts by providing additional details, statistics, ideas, perspectives, or links to interesting, relevant articles.

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Conclude with a question or new idea to further stimulate the discussion.

1.

Do we still need family? Yes, family grounds our existence. Family is our primary source for socialization. Family is a transmission tool to instill values, traditions, and culture into individuals. Good family bonds can be associated with good mental and physical health. A family typically includes people related through birth, marriage, or adoption. Yet, I think having a good family system is more important than just the term family. Family systems are people connected by close relationships, and who share common history. Family systems encourage and support one another.

Any other ideas about the impact of a family?

A family can have a functional or dysfunctional impact on an individual. A functional impact sets clear roles, effective communication, and ample amount of nurturing. Bitter defines a functional family as a family in which family processes are successful in meeting normal and abnormal development demands (Stauffer, 2021). A dysfunctional impact can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, and affect an individual’s mental health. Bitter defines a dysfunctional family as one in which there has been a breakdown in coping or in which the family continues to engage in patterns that are no longer successful (Stauffer, 2021).

Chapter 5 focused on Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues. Professional codes of ethics are indeed essential for the practice of counseling. Please make yourself familiar with the concepts identified in this reading particularly HIPAA and dual relationships.

Compliance with HIPAA is important when practicing CMHC. Counselors need to make sure they are creating and sharing patient documentation under state and federal law. Any breaches with patient’s PHI could result in financial sanctions. The AAMFT (2014)
Code of Ethics explains that MFT’s have a responsibility to understand that their relationships with clients are influential; the therapist must recognize that having a business or personal relationship with a client or client’s family members before or during therapy can create situations of impairment or exploitation (Stauffer, 2021).

References

Stauffer, D. C. (2021).
Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

2.

While the nuclear family may be dying, families are very much still alive. Families nowadays look different. They may not always be related by blood, but they can be anything. For example, I moved to Boston with my now husband (at the time, boyfriend) and our dog in July 2022. My family is all in the south, and his is in the Midwest, but we’ve created our own family up here. It is through our Boston friend group. We all know each other from different places, and we are not all originally from here, so even though we are not related by blood, we get to spend birthdays and many major holidays together. Even though the nuclear family may be dying, family is essential and can add a lot to the world. It brings community to an environment and familiar faces, and the social interaction with others is crucial for us as human beings. Think about how much those in solitary confinement struggle because they don’t interact with anyone. While we aren’t all super social beings, we are still inherently social as humans, and family is such a big part of that. The impact of family can impact not only our immediate community but also our world. It helps us stay united and makes us who we are, not only as a group but as individuals. You are the five people you spend the most time with, which is very accurate regarding family, whether by blood, marriage, or anything. Families throughout our lives make us who we are today and can shape many experiences and how we see the world as a whole.

3.

I personally like the analogy given for the family because what impacts one member impacts all members, whether they want it to or not. You see this a lot when dealing with behaviors or addiction. When the person gets help with the behavior or addiction, the rest of the family no longer knows where their place is in the family unit.

As someone who is in their mid-sixties, I have watched how the family has changed over the years; it is really sad. When I was growing up, the family would have family functions at the grandparents’ weekly to keep the family close. The recent generations have shunned that practice, stating that if their family wants to be a part of their lives and their children, they must come to them. Regardless of what research says, I believe we still need family. Our family helps shape us and gives us a sense of belonging, even if the family is dysfunctional.

4.

I must agree with researchers that nuclear families are dying every day in the US, evidenced by a multitude of divorces, single parents, and blended families. The family plays a vital part in an individual’s life, and yes, families are still very much needed. Actions by any individual family member can have an influence on others, and their reactions will have a reciprocal effect on the individual. Therapists working with the families are able to observe how the client acts within the system and participate in maintaining the status quo, how the system influences and is influenced by him. The impact of the family is very robust as it displays what interventions might lead to changes that help the individual and his/her system. The symptoms are an expression of habits and patterns within the family, which not only come from the individual’s history, but also the maladjustment and development. The clients’ behavior could just as well serve a function or purpose for the family or be unintentionally maintained by family processes. Additionally, the behavior can also be a function of the family’s inability to operate productively and a symptom of dysfunctional patterns handed down across generations. Individuals are connected to living systems and the interaction of other family members and the broader contexts in which the client and family live.

5.

This question this post asks was very thought provoking and made me think and rethink how I should prepare my response. Much like the excerpt in the post here, family is extremely important because each member works off of one another. Family is how people learn the rules and norms of our culture and ensures that future generations have the preparation necessary to take on the challenges of the world. However, family systems as we know them are definitely in decline, I would be hard pressed to say that family as a whole outright dying but the way family systems function are very much changing and/or evolving. The way the family structure functions is radically different than the seemingly idyllic nuclear family depicted throughout media throughout the 30s and 50s (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015). Some of this change could be through the acceptance of same sex or transgender family units that or the increase in divorce rates within the United States. I think that some of this stagnation could be through the rise of individuality throughout younger generations and the increase in independence and self-reliance. The text mentions characteristics of a functioning family including traits such as, commitment to the family, willingness to spend time together, and clear roles (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015).  These characteristics are present in older generations where people were generally raised to fill distinct roles of either a provider or caregiver/homemaker. However, in the 21st century people are now raised to provide for themselves and to rely mostly on themselves to get through life, rather than relying partially on friends, family, and partners. This hyper reliance on self-sufficiency could potentially correlate to the increases in divorce we see due to the individuality of parents or partners could clash, due to both partners taking on the role of provider and caregiver/homemaker. Overall, whether or not the family unit truly dies is up to whether or not the members of the family unit can adapt to the changes within our collective culture.

Reference

Capuzzi, D & Stauffer, M (2015) Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling.

6.

Do we still need family? Any other ideas about the impact of a family?

The definition of family has evolved throughout time. At one point, family simply referred to the nuclear family. And in some ways the nuclear family is dying and being replaced by diverse definitions of family. Regardless if your definition of family is blood relatives, extended family, community, friends, or live in partners, I believe the family unit is still a critical part of an individuals’ life. Humans are social creatures that rely on others for mental, physical and emotional well-being. The development and sustainment of family relationships directly impact many aspects of an individual’s life. Regardless of the makeup of a family, the inter and intra relational dynamics can determine life style, cultural and communication styles. These developed skills impact aspects like career choices, living arrangements, and community involvement. For example, a person raised in a volatile family may struggle to communicate and interact effectively at work, impacting livelihood and employment. A family’s disposition towards higher education may encourage or discourage someone from pursuing a dream career. How one interacts and learns from their family unit can impact choices later in life like religious practices, where to live, whether or not to have children, what careers are acceptable and gender roles. While the nuclear family known from the 1950’s and later may be less prevalent, the impact and sphere of influence the family has not changed. It is still an important and influential part of each person’s life. 

7.

Understanding the workings of a family unit is vital.  Everyone should be on one accord.  Each plays a vital role to keep the family whole.  If one becomes disappointed, everyone should pitch in and try to make that one feel better.  Sometimes the family is hit with a devastating situation (i.e. hurricane or fire).  When this happens the family unit can take longer to heal.  These types of situations if not dealt in a timely manner can have severe repercussions. That is why being prepared in case of disaster is always a good idea.  Everyone should have a designated place to go so that no one is looking for a family member.  If we all work together, we can be successful.

8.

The family as a psychosocial system can be compared to a living organism, where each member contributes towards its emotional and behavioral stability. Family is interdependent; that is, any one family member affects the others. Similarly, the interactions between family members are ruled by unwritten rules, boundaries, and hierarchies, which establish a stable balance. This balance may, however, be disrupted by circumstances including illness, trauma, or change of development, and this affects the entire group. The way families work as systems leads therapists to pinpoint the patterns of communication and guide the families through the healthier ones by gathering together their systemic associations rather than concentrating on individual members in isolation.

As much as the traditional nuclear family has started to diminish in the U.S. because of the changes experienced in society, the benefits that the family has given in terms of identity, support, and growth cannot be disregarded. Families, whether biological, blended, extended, or chosen, are foundations of emotional stability, culturally affiliated, and social transmission of foundations (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015). Families are the key to psychosocial well-being because the need to belong, love, and be guided is a feature of all family forms. Studies have revealed that people with healthy relationships with their families will likely have improved mental health-related results, increased resilience, and better relationships with others (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015). Therefore, the structure of the family might be changing, but its fundamental psychosocial functions remain.

Lastly, confidentiality, HIPAA compliance, and dual relationships are considered legal and ethical issues that raise unique dilemmas in the area of family therapy. The therapists should define boundaries, set up informed consent with each participant, and determine what information could be or could not be communicated to the relatives. The issue of confidentiality is even more complicated when there are several clients in the same session because one of them is capable of compromising other clients due to disclosures. HIPAA regulation guarantees that the protection of personal health information is ensured, as it requires secure documentation and communication practices. Similarly, therapists need to prevent dual relationships, which may adversely hurt clients and compromise objectivity since these associations may be crossed, and the client may be taken advantage of, as witnessed in the case of family counseling.

9.

Many scholars argue the U.S. nuclear family is fading, but that does not mean the idea of “family” has lost its value. In my view, people still need a family—whether biological, blended, or chosen—because it is the first social system that teaches us how to give and receive support, develop trust, and negotiate conflict. Families remain a primary buffer against stress and a launching pad for identity formation, even as their configurations diversify.

That said, family influence is not always positive. Supportive families can foster resilience, while chaotic or neglectful ones can contribute to anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma. Recognizing this broad impact is crucial for marriage and family therapists, who often explore how systemic patterns shape a client’s current concerns (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015). I do believe we still need family, even though the traditional nuclear family structure may be changing. Family plays a huge role in shaping who we are. It’s the first place where most of us learn about love, trust, respect, support, and how to interact with others. Families don’t all look the same anymore, and that’s okay. What matters is having people in your life who provide emotional support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s biological relatives, close friends, or chosen family, we all need that connection.

As for the impact of family, it can be both positive and negative. A strong, supportive family can help a person grow, stay grounded, and face life’s challenges. On the other hand, unhealthy family dynamics can lead to trauma, low self-esteem, and mental health issues. That’s why as counselors, it’s important to understand each client’s family background.

Chapter 5 of
Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling highlights why ethical guidelines are indispensable when working with these intimate systems. Two concepts stand out:

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HIPAA confidentiality. Couples and family therapists must safeguard every member’s protected health information. This includes securing electronic files, clarifying who “owns” the record, and obtaining written releases before sharing any details (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015). Doing so not only complies with federal law but also fosters the trust essential for therapeutic change.

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Avoiding dual relationships. Because family work can blur boundaries—especially in small communities—therapists must avoid roles that conflict with clinical objectivity (e.g., being both counselor and family friend). Dual relationships risk exploitation and can compromise clinical judgment (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2015). When unavoidable, they require careful consultation and documentation.

In short, families—however we define them—continue to matter because they remain the context in which most psychological development unfolds. As clinicians, respecting ethical mandates like HIPAA and steering clear of dual relationships ensures we can support families effectively while upholding professional integrity.

Reference

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2015).
Foundations of couples, marriage, and family counseling. Pearson

10.

This week’s topics were a great way to kick off this class. Seeing the family as a psychosocial unit makes a lot of sense when you consider how any shift, big or small, can ripple through everyone involved. I gave the example in my reflection paper that everything seems to run much smoother when my wife and I are on the same page. The heating system analogy is relevant. In my own family, I’ve seen how one person’s mood or experience impacts the whole dynamic and mood. We’re all constantly adjusting to maintain that balance, whether we realize it or not.

As for the idea that the family, especially the nuclear family, is dying, I’d push back on that. Families are evolving, not disappearing. The core of what makes a family strong is things like connection, commitment, support, and love. I feel that it is still very much alive. In fact, I’d argue that family is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced, often disconnected world. Whether traditional or blended, close-knit or spread out, families continue to shape our values, guide our choices, and give us a foundation to stand on.

On the legal and ethical side, HIPAA and dual relationships are certainly important topics, especially when working with families. The layers of confidentiality and boundaries get even more muddy when multiple members are involved. It’s one thing to have knowledge of the guidelines. However, holding those standards in real-life situations becomes increasingly more important while still honoring the relationships and items the families want to work through (Goldenberg and Goldenberg, 2021).

References

Goldenberg, H., & Goldenberg, I. (2021). Foundations of couples, marriage, and family counseling (2nd ed.). Wiley Professional Development.

11.

In her work, Understanding Families, Jo Ann Allen compares families to a home heating system to explain how they operate as interconnected units. Just like a furnace, thermostat, and room temperature work together to keep the house comfortable, family members rely on and influence each other to maintain emotional and relational balance, which she refers to as homeostasis. This means that if one family member changes, it affects all the other family members. Families are where we learn important aspects, such as trust, love, communication, and how to manage our emotions. Even though family structures are evolving, their importance as support systems remains crucial. We still need families because they play a significant role in shaping who we are and providing the support and foundation that many people depend on throughout their lives.

12.

The influence of a family extends well beyond the home. Families play a crucial role in shaping mental health, social skills, cultural identity, and our ability to connect with others. They teach us important values, show us how to resolve conflicts, and offer a safe space during difficult times. This influence is just as strong in non-traditional families or chosen families. Families are emotional support systems and are often the first to step in during moments of trauma, illness, or success. I know this to be true after witnessing my brother experience a major heart attack, and how his family all came together at the hospital to show support. We know that a family impact can be felt in schools, workplaces, relationships, and across communities. Regardless of how society changes, having a healthy and supportive family, no matter its structure, remains a vital part of a person’s life.

 To me, whether we still need family is very complicated and deep question. According to Capuzzie and Stauffer (2021), family is defined as individuals being related to each other by birth, marriage, or adoption and living together. Family goes much deeper for me than the people you live with. Family consists of individuals who are there for you no matter what, no questions asked, and will never expect for anything in return. Family does not hold things over you and expect you do what they ask, but when you need help, they turn their backs and are to busy to help you. To me, family is an individual or group of people you can trust and know they have your back at the end of the end of the day. Family does not lie, gaslight, or manipulate you into feelings guilty about asking for help setting boundaries. Family does not make excuses, puts all the blame on you, and never takes responsibility for their damaging actions. Family is very crucial to have. They are one of the biggest support systems you can ever have. Family does beyond the house you grew up in and the family that raise you.

References 

Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M.D. (2021). Foundations of couples, marriage, and family counseling (2nd ed). John Wiley and Sons, Inc.