What are some of the ways in which the family is handling their problems or relating to each other that have reinforced or exacerbated the problems (related to the concept of circular causality or mutual reinforcement)?

Apply the family systems concepts you have learned from the readings, lectures, discussions, and videos to analyze the case as summarized below by addressing the following questions:

1. State clearly and succinctly the presenting problem(s) of this family, that is, what caused them to come in for help or be referred by others for help.

2. Do you see other issues as well?

3. What is your assessment of the structures and dynamics of the family (including boundaries, subsystems, power and hierarchy, triangulations, function of symptoms, communication patterns, family rules, etc., where applicable)?

4.What are some of the ways in which the family is handling their problems or relating to each other that have reinforced or exacerbated the problems (related to the concept of circular causality or mutual reinforcement)? 5. What do you see are the strengths of this family? 6. What is your assessment of the ecological resources (from the larger systems beyond the nuclear family) and limitations of this family? 7. How would you define the specific treatment goals for this family which address both the presenting and your assessed problems? Instructions: Use double line spacing and font size 12 in your answers. Limit your answers 5 pages Apply the concepts you have learned directly in analyzing the case by simply stating them. Do not give explanations of these theoretical concepts from the readings. Give evidence from the case material in support of your assessment of the family dynamics and structures. The intervention strategies should be specific, and family systems oriented instead of individual oriented. The format of your paper as an essay or in point form is entirely up to you, as long as it is clear, and grammatical [in complete sentences]. Criteria for Evaluation : 1) The answer addresses each part of the questions and demonstrates an understanding of the concepts. 2) The response shows familiarity with materials covered in reading, lecture, and discussion. 3) The answer demonstrates efforts in integrating the learned concepts with the case materials 4) The writing is grammatically correct and organized in a clear and logical fashion 5) The APA style of referencing is used if a brief citation is given. CASE SUMMARY The “Rizzo” family, consisting of father Antonio (53), mother Anna (50), daughter Sophia (22), and son Marco (18). The family came in for family therapy after Marco dropped out of his first semester at college. As a high school student, Marco had attended your agency, a community-based organization located in the Brooklyn neighborhood, for teen services programming, including college and SAT preparation. Staff at the agency was surprised to learn that Marco had dropped out of college, despite earning a 3.0 GPA. During an individual counseling session, Marco revealed to you, his individual counselor, that he had dropped out after receiving pressure from his family to work in the family business, a successful pizzeria and Italian restaurant that his father had started over 25 years ago. Antonio, an Italian immigrant who came to the United States at age 13, felt that it was important that the business remained owned and operated by a member of his family. Antonio’s three brothers, also pizzeria owners, all had sons who had taken over the business, so as his only son, Antonio felt that it was Marco’s “duty and responsibility to the family” to run the business.