Which two key aspects differentiate Strategic from Structural family therapy?

The distinction between Strategic and Structural family therapy lies significantly in the concepts of change and family organization. In Strategic family therapy, the primary focus is on change, specifically how to modify behaviors and interactions within the family to address presenting problems. This approach emphasizes the notion that changing the family's interactions can lead to a shift in the individuals' behaviors, ultimately aiming for immediate problem resolution.

On the other hand, Structural family therapy focuses on understanding and reorganizing the family structure. It emphasizes the hierarchy, roles, and boundaries within the family system. The goal here is to understand how family organization affects behavior and dynamics, rather than merely pursuing immediate changes in behavior.

By highlighting change versus family organization, one can see that while both approaches work with the family as a system, they do so with different objectives and mechanisms. This understanding is critical for therapists when deciding which approach to implement based on the unique needs and dynamics of the family they are working with.