According to Salvador Minuchin, what is the focus of Structural Family Therapy?

The focus of Structural Family Therapy, as articulated by Salvador Minuchin, is on changing present dynamics within the family system through structured interventions. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the family structure, which consists of the patterns of interactions and relationships between family members. By utilizing techniques such as enactments, where family members are encouraged to act out their interpersonal dynamics, the therapist can observe and alter unhealthy patterns of behavior and communication in real-time.

The goal is to create a more adaptive family structure that promotes healthier interactions, ultimately leading to improved family functioning. In this therapy model, change is oriented towards the present, allowing families to address their current challenges rather than focusing solely on past issues or individual outcomes. This makes Structural Family Therapy distinctively interventionist and pragmatically focused on modifying the ways family members relate to one another in the moment.