The Law family consists of Erin (mom) age 45, Dad (Bruce) age 48, Chloe (daughter) age 16, Allen (son) age 13, and John (boyfriend to Erin) age 39. Erin sought counseling for her and her boyfriend John. Erin and Bruce divorced 10 years ago when their children were 6 and 3. Erin and Bruce share joint custody of their children. Erin and John have been dating for 8 years. John moved into Erin's home with her children early on in the relationship. After 4 years they broke up and he moved out. The relationship resumed after 6 months, and John moved back into the home. The couple constantly argue about many topics, such as money (which they keep separate), vacations, items needed for her children, Erin's work schedule (works 50+ hours a week as a police officer), and John's intermittent work schedule. John reports that he is "bored" when he doesn't work. John is a pilot. The children call John by the nickname "J dog". John attempts to discipline Erin's children as he is typically the one that is home. John proposed to Erin one time about 5 years ago. When they broke up 4 years ago she returned the ring. A wedding has never been planned or discussed since that breakup. John has issues with drinking alcohol according to Erin. John minimized his use but does report that he has mood swings. He never received treatment for this since he is a pilot and that "cannot be known". The children appear to fear John and will passively obey him at times while other times, will fight back.

Erin appears confused and sad in the session. John appears agitated, mildly angry, and hyperverbal. If a conflict is discussed in session John will work extra hard to state his position until Erin backs down. John despises Bruce and will make his feelings known to both Erin and the children. At Allen's sporting events John will typically start an argument with Bruce. John states that he gets easily bored and wishes he and Erin can just drop everything at times and fly to some other state for a vacation (since he flies for free). John states that he enjoys caring for Erin's children but also feels that they do not respect or listen to him. He feels that they need more discipline and need to learn respect. He cooks for them and will take them to their activities when Erin is working. Prior to the first session, Erin reported that she thinks John is hiding something. She says that she has a feeling that he is talking to other women but did not openly share why she felt this in session. John strongly denied it. After the first session, Erin emailed the therapist stating that she can tap into his emails and that is where she discovered it. Both do not identify with any religion. Erin has one previous marriage and John has never been married. Erin is close to her parents and siblings and John reports a strained relationship with his family. Erin and John try to go on a date once a week when the children are at their dads'. Both drink together when they are out.

The following represent my three key structural concerns regarding this family system.

1. The structural problems that likely contributed to the divorce have never been addressed for this family.
2. The family has not altered the structure in a manner to accommodate for the impact of the divorce, or at least has not completed the re-alignment for a new normal for the family system.
3. The introduction of a new member appears to have created resistance by key subsystems to Bruce's presence, contributions, and beliefs.

Consider how this structure could be adjusted to improve the functionality of the entire unit.

Please include citations and references