In assessing a couple where one partner is overly involved with their family, what would a Structural therapist focus on?

A Structural therapist would focus on boundaries between the wife and her family, as this approach emphasizes the importance of family structures and the roles individuals play within them. In this scenario, the therapist would analyze how the couple's interactions are influenced by the wife's significant involvement with her family.

By identifying where boundaries are blurred or inadequately defined, the therapist can help the couple understand how this involvement might disrupt their relationship dynamics. The goal is to establish healthier boundaries that promote autonomy and improve the couple's functioning together, allowing for a more balanced relationship that does not heavily lean on familial ties.

While communication patterns and interpersonal dynamics are important, the primary concern of a Structural therapist in this context is to address the specific boundary issues that arise from the wife’s involvement with her family. Thus, focusing on boundaries allows for the exploration of how these influences impact the couple's relationship directly.