What therapeutic approach focuses on identifying and changing dysfunctional family patterns?

The therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing dysfunctional family patterns is structural family therapy. This method, developed by Salvador Minuchin, emphasizes the family unit and its interactions. It views problems within the context of the family's structure, roles, and relationships, advocating for the reorganization of these dynamics to foster healthier interactions and improve overall family functioning.

In structural family therapy, the therapist works to uncover and address patterns of behavior that contribute to dysfunction, such as power imbalances and ineffective communication strategies. By creating a more balanced family structure, individuals can develop healthier relationships and improved problem-solving skills. This approach is particularly effective in treating issues such as family conflict, dysfunctional roles, and issues related to parenting.

The other therapeutic approaches listed focus on different aspects of mental health. For example, solution-focused therapy emphasizes finding immediate solutions to problems instead of delving into their underlying causes. Behavioral therapy is primarily concerned with changing specific behaviors through conditioning techniques rather than examining family dynamics. Psychoanalysis focuses on unconscious processes and early experiences as they impact mental health but does not specifically target family patterns.