Definition:

Every family member and his or her behaviors are interconnected with those of every other family member, similar to a spoke wheel on a wagon. The family, as a system, needs to find balance between separateness and connectedness.

Family members are individuals and must develop their individuality, but they must also be able to function together. The inability to do so leads to a breakdown of the system and hence the development of family relational issues.

Additionally, we must consider the blended family of today which has significant challenges to bring two halves together to attempt to make a whole.

Symptoms:

• Disengaged and/or Distant
• Enmeshed and/or Overlapping
• Lack of Loyalty
• Extreme Independence
• Extreme Dependence

Treatment Options:

• Family Counseling - review and rebuilding the family network to meet as many needs as possible for the entire family
• Attachment and Bonding education and practice
• Mediating the balance between each family members resources and the sum of all family needs

Links:

• Family Dynamics Quiz
• My Way 3 Our Way
• Great Family Resources

Suggested Readings:

• LifeScripts on Healthy Families