Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What is the Structural therapy term for members who focus on a third person to avoid their conflict?

1. Detouring

2. Deviations

3. Diffusion

4. Differentiation

The correct answer is: Detouring

The term "detouring" refers to a phenomenon in family therapy where family members divert attention away from their own conflicts by focusing on a third person or external issue. In this dynamic, the members may engage in discussions or behaviors that involve another person, thereby avoiding direct confrontation of their own relational issues. This can lead to a cycle where real problems remain unaddressed, as the family's focus is consistently shifted outward. In the context of Structural Family Therapy, which aims to understand and reorganize familial patterns of interaction, recognizing detouring behaviors is crucial. By identifying who is being diverted to and what issues are being avoided, therapists can help families work through their conflicts more directly and constructively, ultimately improving their communication and relationship dynamics.