Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of accommodation in structural family therapy?

1. To establish control over family interactions

2. To create a rigid structure for family dynamics

3. To adapt the therapist's style to the family's interaction

4. To assess the family's adaptability to changes

The correct answer is: To adapt the therapist's style to the family's interaction

The primary purpose of accommodation in structural family therapy revolves around the therapist's ability to adapt their style and approach to match the family's existing dynamics and interactions. This technique helps facilitate rapport and trust, allowing the therapist to become a more effective participant in the family's relational patterns. By adjusting their methods to align with the family's communication styles and behaviors, the therapist can better influence change within the family structure. This adaptability fosters an environment where family members feel understood and supported, which is crucial for promoting healthy interaction dynamics and encouraging growth. In structural family therapy, the focus is on understanding and reorganizing family structures to enhance functioning. The ability to accommodate the therapist’s style ensures that interventions resonate with the family's unique context rather than imposing an external framework that may not be appropriate or effective.