Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What characterizes the "battle for structure" in Whitaker's therapy?

1. Therapist allowing full autonomy to the family

2. Family centric decision making without guidance

3. Therapist demanding compliance with their methods

4. Flexible therapeutic approaches during sessions

The correct answer is: Therapist demanding compliance with their methods

The "battle for structure" in Whitaker's therapy is centered on the dynamics between the therapist and the family regarding the control and direction of the therapeutic process. In this context, it specifically refers to the therapist's active engagement in establishing a framework or structure for the therapy sessions. This often involves the therapist asserting their methods and approaches to ensure that the therapy progresses effectively and that the family's interactions are meaningful and productive. By demanding compliance with their methods, the therapist is not simply imposing their will but rather creating a necessary structure that can help the family function better within the therapeutic setting. This structure is essential for guiding families toward recognizing and addressing their patterns of behavior and communication, ultimately leading to healthier interactions and solutions to their problems. The other options reflect approaches that either lack direction or appropriate boundaries, both of which could undermine the therapeutic process. Allowing full autonomy to the family could lead to a lack of focus, while family-centric decision-making without guidance might prevent necessary interventions. Conversely, flexible therapeutic approaches can be useful but must still be grounded within a well-defined structure for the therapy to be effective.