Evolution of Family Hierarchies
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Cloe Madanes reflects on her shift from traditional hierarchical models to viewing families as interconnected systems.
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Initially emphasized parental authority ("Strategic Family Therapy").
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Found this model inadequate when parents were incompetent, neglectful, or addicted.
Strategies for Reversing Hierarchy
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Introduced “reversing the hierarchy”: children take responsibility for parents' happiness to motivate parental change.
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Example: a mother paid not to hit her son eventually improved her life and left her abusive partner.
Addressing Marital Abuse
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Strategy for abusive husbands: create a contract where he deposits money into a joint account with his mother-in-law.
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If abuse occurs, funds transfer to the mother-in-law—creating financial accountability.
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Emphasized adapting Ericksonian techniques with legal awareness.
Applying Therapy to Larger Systems
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Therapeutic strategies applied to businesses and institutions (e.g., space agencies).
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Importance of adjusting strategies to changing environments.
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Introduced “emergent quality”: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
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Stress on understanding client language and perspectives in systems work.
Audience Q&A: Case Responses
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Child with encopresis: Work with a trusted pediatrician and address potential family violence.
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Dysfunctional supervision in training: Respect supervisee’s position; use their language and avoid criticism.
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Group decision-making among religious leaders: Focus on goals; identify what worsens issues to guide change.
Elder Abuse
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Adult children exploiting elderly parents: Encourage elders to reclaim control using their values and language.
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Emphasized understanding elders’ perspectives and concerns to guide them in setting boundaries.
Adolescents and Conflicting Hierarchies
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Teens on probation, expelled, and in gangs: Strengthen family structure and involve community elders.
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Family seen as the central protective unit; external pressures addressed through family reinforcement.
Closing Remarks
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Emphasis on adapting techniques to fit family and organizational contexts.
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Key takeaway: flexibility and creativity are essential in resolving complex relational systems.
