What does Structural Family Therapy indicate about rigid boundaries?

Structural Family Therapy, developed by Salvador Minuchin, emphasizes the organization of family relationships and the importance of boundaries within the family system. Rigid boundaries refer to overly strict or impermeable limits that prevent family members from interacting freely and openly.

When rigid boundaries are present, children may feel isolated from the family dynamics and are likely to navigate their relationships and boundaries without the guidance or protection of their parents. This can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and a lack of support for the children, as they may not receive the necessary parental input to help them understand appropriate behaviors and relationships. Instead of fostering healthy interactions, rigid boundaries create a disconnect that can negatively impact family functioning.

Understanding this concept is crucial for a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, as many clients may come from family systems characterized by such inflexibility, which may contribute to the issues they face.