The Problems Inherent in the Family of Peter and Sasha - Assignment Example

The present family system has a considerable effect on the well-being of Peter, Sash, and Alex. According to Alfred Adler (lecture notes), individual influential spheres are “mistaken goals” that lock family members and result in negative patterns that affect the family constellation.
The problems inherent in the family (Peter and Sasha) pose potential psychological disorders. However, the problems can be solved by a close examination of the family structure.

Boundaries
Recently, Peter and Sash have been in constant arguments and battles. Such is attributable to the fact that there are no boundaries between Alex and his mother. Peter fails to appreciate that Alex is out of rehab. In addition, he argues that it is only a matter of time before Alex relapses again. The primary problem facing the family is that Sasha has established an emotional relationship with Alex. She has made him her emotional partner, disclosing too much information. Peter blames his wife for letting their son, currently 28 years, live in the house. Sasha breaks the concept of boundaries by affording Alex a role that is outside the appropriate hierarchy in the family.

Disengaged Families
The case study provides sufficient evidence to indicate that Peter and Sasha are disengaged. The two tried out couples counseling after 33 years of marriage without an emotional attachment. Peter and Sasha had different work schedules, failed to eat meals together, and did not spend leisure time together. The level of disengagement between Peter and Sasha was severe such as affecting Peter. Their son was diagnosed with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Enmeshment and Detachment
Enmeshment is evident when two or more individuals within the family system link their identities and weave their lives together making it difficult for either party to operate independently. On the other hand, detachment occurs when parties within the family system function independently such as it is difficult to establish a relationship between them. Peter and Sasha seem to be detached and disengaged because they function independently. Failing to eat together and having different work schedules is a clear indication of detachment. Alex and Sasha, on the other hand, seem to be enmeshed together such as to establish an emotional bond.

Homeostasis
There is a need for family systems to respond to the demands of each party in the family structure. Peter and Sasha’s family fail to establish a steady state about responding to the demands within the family structure. The family ought to establish a steady state (homeostasis) to maintain a stable family structure.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms and General Characteristics
Ira might indicate signs of apprehensive expectation characterized by excessive anxiety and worry. In addition, he might not be able to control the worry. For the past six months, Ira might have indicated the general characteristics of the disorder. Among the common characteristics include; restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and insomnia.
Hoarding Disorder

Symptoms and General Characteristics
Clifton might find it difficult to discard possessions, regardless of their value. Being a college student, he might find pleasure in the smallest of things such as generating an emotional attachment. In addition, Clifton might often feel uneasy when compelled to discard items that he has already developed an attachment to. The general characteristics of this disorder are that Clifton may have persistent social and occupational impairments.

Primary Differences Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Hoarding Disorder
Ira’s condition may be associated with muscle tension. Generalized anxiety disorder is accompanied by severe trembling, twitching, somatic symptoms, and a startle response. The specifiers for hoarding disorders relate to excessive acquisition. Hoarding disorder is associated with excessive buying. Clifton may experience stress if he is prevented from acquiring items.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder

Dario, experiencing Narcissistic Personality Disorder, may exhibit a sense of self-importance characterized by an exaggeration of achievements. Other people may view her as having a desperate need to be recognized by others as superior. She may view herself as successful, powerful, brilliant, or beautiful more than others. The disorder is accompanied by a lack of empathy and interpersonal exploitation. Generally, the condition influences Dario to become self-centered. Catherine, experiencing Histrionic Personality Disorder, might view herself as being of more importance than others. Though she may not indicate the need for power and authority, the condition has an inherent demand for attraction. Catherine may be influenced by the need for seeking attention through impressionistic speech and provocative behavior. The condition would influence her to view others as inferior.

It may prove difficult for Dario and Catherine to establish a relationship with co-workers. The feeling of being superior to others is a psychological inhibitor to creating effective social relationships. However, as a counselor, the two would establish a mutual relationship. Counselors are trained to give maximum attention to their clients. The two would be willing to establish communication after receiving maximum attention. In my opinion, it would be difficult to establish two-way communication with Dario and Catherine. After establishing a sense of superiority for the two, communication would be inhibited making it difficult to establish a level ground. As a counselor, I should maintain a proper counselor-to-client relationship; therefore, efforts to help the two would prove futile. Read More