LMSW Practice Test

According to Minuchin's model of family treatment, what would be the most helpful intervention for the Jones family with a mother, her live-in boyfriend, and seven children?

1. First working with the family's neutral subgroupings, then changing the subgroupings

2. Sibling play therapy with each child to encourage them to verbalize their feelings

3. Working with Mrs. Jones and her boyfriend

4. Working with the adolescent subgrouping giving Mrs. Jones the most problems

The correct answer is: First working with the family's neutral subgroupings, then changing the subgroupings

The most helpful intervention according to Minuchin's model of family treatment involves first working with the family's neutral subgroupings and then changing those subgroupings. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the existing relationships and interactions within the family system, identifying which members form alliances or subgroups, and recognizing how these dynamics influence the family function as a whole. By focusing on the subgroupings, the therapist can observe and understand the patterns of behavior and communication that exist, including any alliances or conflicts that may be affecting the overall family dynamics. Once these dynamics are clear, interventions can be designed to alter these subgroupings in a way that fosters healthier relationships and improves the family system's functioning. This method aligns with Minuchin's systemic perspective, which highlights the interconnectedness of family members and the necessity of addressing their interactions rather than isolating individual issues. While the other options could be helpful in specific contexts, they may not address the broader family dynamics as effectively as focusing on subgroupings. Engaging in sibling play therapy or working solely with the mother and her boyfriend may overlook the complexities of interactions among all family members and fail to integrate changes that involve the entire family unit. Additionally, addressing only the adolescent subgrouping may not facilitate the necessary changes across the family system