In Structural Family Therapy (SFT), developed by Salvador Minuchin, understanding how family members align and connect is central to identifying and reshaping dysfunctional patterns. One key concept in this framework is “alliances”, which refers to the bonds or partnerships formed between two or more family members to address shared needs or challenges within the family system.

What Are Alliances?

Alliances are cooperative relationships within the family where members team up, often temporarily, to support one another or manage stressors and problems. These groupings can be between any number of members, such as parents working together to solve parenting challenges or siblings collaborating on family issues. Alliances fulfill mutual benefits and help create stability by distributing responsibilities and reinforcing emotional support.

Alliances vs. Coalitions

While alliances are generally positive and adaptive relationships, coalitions refer to negative alliances where certain family members unite against others, often creating tension and conflict. For example, a coalition might involve two family members aligning to isolate or undermine a third, which can exacerbate family dysfunction. Structural therapists work to recognize and transform harmful coalitions, aiming for balanced, healthy alliances.

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The Role of Alliances in Family Structure

Families are organized into subsystems (parental, sibling, spousal), and alliances often form within and between these subsystems to manage family dynamics. The strength and flexibility of these alliances impact family functioning significantly. Adaptive alliances help families manage transitions, share leadership, and maintain emotional bonds, while rigid or unbalanced alliances may reflect or contribute to structural problems.

How Therapists Work with Alliances

Therapists use techniques such as family mapping to identify and visualize alliances, hierarchies, and boundaries within the family system. Through observation and interaction, therapists assess whether alliances are healthy supports or problematic alliances that contribute to dysfunction. They then guide families in restructuring these relationships by reinforcing positive alliances and addressing or dissolving destructive coalitions.

Building Healthy Alliances

An essential goal of Structural Family Therapy is to help families develop clear boundaries and flexible alliances that promote equitable power distribution and cooperation. For example, establishing a strong parental alliance with clear leadership helps set boundaries that support children’s autonomy while maintaining family cohesion. When families learn to adapt their alliances in response to life’s challenges, they build resilience and improve communication.

Why Alliances Matter

Alliances shape how families solve problems, handle stress, and support each other’s emotional needs. By understanding and reworking alliances, Structural Family Therapy fosters healthier interactions and stronger, more adaptable family systems. This focus on realigning family connections—not just addressing symptoms—allows families to cultivate long-lasting positive change.

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