National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What is NOT a goal of Whitaker's symbolic family therapy?

1. Enhancing emotional expressions

2. Facilitating communication

3. Maximizing language

4. Transforming family roles

The correct answer is: Maximizing language

In Whitaker's symbolic family therapy, the emphasis is placed on emotional expression and communication within the family system. One of the primary goals of this therapeutic approach is to enhance the emotional experiences of family members and encourage them to express these emotions openly. This therapeutic framework also focuses on facilitating communication, helping family members to articulate their feelings and thoughts more effectively to foster healthier interactions. Transforming family roles is another objective of this therapy, as it can help uncover and rearrange dysfunctional patterns that may be contributing to the family's issues. By addressing and redefining the roles that individuals play within the family context, the therapy aims to promote healthier dynamics and relationships. Maximizing language is not a specific goal of Whitaker's symbolic family therapy. While language and communication are certainly components of the therapy, the focus is primarily on the emotional and symbolic meanings behind those communications rather than on maximizing the use of language itself. Hence, choosing the option that reflects a non-goal of Whitaker's therapy correctly points to this principle.