What is the term for the acting out of dysfunctional transactional patterns in family therapy sessions?

Enactment refers specifically to the process in family therapy where clients are encouraged to act out or demonstrate their dysfunctional patterns of interaction during the therapy session. This technique allows the therapist to observe and analyze the interaction patterns in real-time, providing a clearer understanding of how family members communicate and relate to one another. By bringing these dysfunctional behaviors into the therapy space, it enables the therapist and clients to identify and work on changing these patterns directly.

This process is effective because it helps to highlight issues that may not be fully expressed or acknowledged outside the therapy session, allowing for immediate feedback and the opportunity for intervention. It facilitates a deeper understanding of relational dynamics and promotes therapeutic change through direct experience rather than merely discussing problems in an abstract manner.