National Counselor Exam (NCE)

A family session begins with the children and mother ganging up on the father. What term best describes this situation?

1. Subjugation

2. Triangulation

3. Collusion

4. Disengagement

The correct answer is: Triangulation

In this scenario, the term that best describes the situation is triangulation. Triangulation occurs in family dynamics when a third party (in this case, the mother and children) engages in a coalition against one person (the father). This often happens as a way to relieve tension in the relationship between two individuals by involving a third person, which can lead to the dynamics becoming more complex and problematic. In therapeutic contexts, triangulation can signal underlying conflicts that need to be addressed, as it often inhibits open communication and perpetuates tension within the family. By having the mother and children align against the father, it indicates that there may be unresolved issues or a power struggle present, which can ultimately affect the relationships among all family members. Understanding triangulation is crucial for counselors working with families, as it helps identify patterns that need to be changed to improve overall family functioning and promote healthier communication dynamics.