Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

Which therapy focuses on the ethical dimension of family relationships, particularly intergenerational loyalties?

1. Constructivist Family Therapy

2. Contextual Family Therapy

3. Relational Therapy

4. Transactional Analysis

The correct answer is: Contextual Family Therapy

The therapy that emphasizes the ethical dimension of family relationships, particularly focusing on intergenerational loyalties, is Contextual Family Therapy. This approach is rooted in the concept that familial relationships are influenced by obligations, rights, and the culmination of generational experiences. Contextual Family Therapy, developed by Ivan Nagy, examines how family members' behaviors and emotional responses are shaped not just by current interactions but also by past relational patterns and the "ledger" of give-and-take in familial exchanges. In this framework, the ethical considerations play a crucial role, as therapists work to address and resolve issues such as fairness, justice, and loyalty within the family system. By identifying and exploring intergenerational loyalties, clients can better understand the dynamics at play, which can inform healthier relationships and communication strategies. While other therapeutic approaches might explore relationships within families, they do not specifically target the ethical and intergenerational dimensions in the same comprehensive way as Contextual Family Therapy. For instance, Constructivist Family Therapy focuses more on how individuals create meaning from their experiences, Relational Therapy centers on the dynamics of relationships without the specific ethical context, and Transactional Analysis primarily deals with communication and personality structure rather than the deeper ethical obligations that Contextual Family Therapy identifies.