Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

In family therapy, who is referred to as the identified patient?

1. The child with the most severe symptoms

2. The family member whose symptoms reflect the family's pain

3. The family member who causes problems

4. The sibling with no behavior issues

The correct answer is: The family member whose symptoms reflect the family's pain

In family therapy, the identified patient is typically understood to be the family member whose symptoms or behaviors are outward manifestations of the distress or dysfunction present within the larger family system. This concept emphasizes that the identified patient's issues often reflect the pain or problems experienced by the entire family, serving as a focal point for therapy. This means that when a family seeks therapy, the identified patient may not necessarily be the one with the most severe symptoms, nor do they have to be the one causing the most problems. Instead, they represent the family's collective struggles, and by addressing their issues in therapy, the family as a whole can begin to understand and process their relational dynamics. Therefore, recognizing this connection can lead to healing for both the individual and the family system.