Adler considered the family in which the individual was raised to have a central impact on the person’s personality and behaviors (Corey, 2017). It appears that the abuse that Laura endured in her childhood led her to have a mistrust in those around her. She is constantly worried that someone is talking about her or is going to hurt her. Laura grew up thinking that what her step father was doing to her was alright though she knew that she hated it she felt powerless. When the counselor asked Laura who was the favorite child was growing up, she stated, “It was most definitely my little brother; he was obviously the favorite, because he was both my mother’s and step father’s child.” When asked what her relationship was …show more content…
Growing up children share things within their family constellation, however, due to birth order, their experiences and interpretations are different (Corey, 2017). Laura’s experiences are different than her siblings. As the middle child, Laura endured all of the sexual and physical abuse when her sister left home. Her younger brother was treasured as he was her step father’s son. Her sister emancipated out of the house as soon as she turned sixteen. Because of this, Laura felt as though her sister had abandoned her and left her to suffer through the sexual and physical abuse alone in silence.
Phase 3: Encourage Self-Understanding and …show more content…
This would allow each individual to take a turn and show each other from their view what they think others are doing or feeling within the situation. It is imperative to mention who would be attending this session; mother, Kate (Sister), Collin (Brother), Laura. The stepfather is not in the family system anymore and would be detrimental to expose Laura to her perpetrator. The first question posed to the family was how they saw things when Laura was using drugs. From the mother's view she saw her daughter Laura laying on the ground dead with the rest of the family and herself kneeling at her body crying. Kate’s perspective is much different than her mother’s, Laura would be in a chair with a needle in her arm and passed out, her mother facing Laura crying with her hands outstretched to symbolize for her daughter to stop. Kate with her hands up in defeat turning away. Brother Collin would be facing Laura with a look of disapproval on his face. From her brothers perspective; Laura would have open arms and a huge smile across her face. Collin with his arms crossed with a look of disbelief. Kate with her back turned on all of her family. Mother embracing Kate with her back turned as well. From Laura’s point of view she is on her hands a knees behind her family, with a needle in her arm. All of the family members have their backs to her. Her mother would have her head in her hands, Kate with her arms folded, Collin