A family has come to therapy because the only child is depressed and spends an excessive amount of time playing video games, and the parents are considering divorce. The systems therapist assigns a family the task of spending one hour a week together doing something fun. This is an example of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A countersystemic prescription is one that goes against the family's usual patterns of interaction. A restructuring prescription is one that changes the family's structure or organization. In this case, the therapist is prescribing a change in the family's structure by having them spend time together doing something fun. This is a countersystemic prescription because it goes against the family's usual pattern of interaction, which is characterized by conflict and avoidance. It is also a restructuring prescription because it changes the family's structure by creating a new opportunity for them to interact in a positive way.

A Family Has Come to Therapy Because the Only Child