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Essay on Family Systems Theory Application
Mental health counselors are becoming more aware of sibling abuse in all of its forms. The literature addressing the nature of sibling abuse is increasing; however, there is little written about methods of treatment. Family systems theory as a framework for understanding the common family dynamics observed in families where there is sibling abuse is discussed. This paper presents a case example using family systems theory as a framework for conceptualizing and developing treatment.
Mark, a 13-year-old, was referred into treatment by Child Protective Services after sexually abusing his 11-year-old sibling, Lisa. Mark's mother had called the police when she discovered the fact that Mark had been abusing Lisa for the previous 6 months. Lisa told her mother about the abuse when Mark was away from home at band camp. Lisa remarked to her mother that she was sleeping better with Mark away.
When pressed for details, Lisa confided that she did not have to worry about Mark coming into her bed in the middle of the night and" bothering me." When pressed for more details, Lisa reluctantly told her mother that Mark touched her genitals and would insert his fingers into her vagina and anus. She also pleaded with her mother to not be angry with Mark as he always told "me he loved me" when he came into her bed.
When Mrs. Williams called the police, she was very distressed about what had happened and was very vocal about her anger with her son. Her statements of anger and implications that Mark and other men were alike, and in some way not to be trusted, were documented in the police report as was her request that he be taken out of the house and sent to jail as soon as possible. Mark was brought home early from band camp......
