Theoretical Paper: Family Case Application The structural family therapy model was the theory addressed by this student in the family paper assignment. Gehart (2014) explains that the fundamental concepts of this theory are boundaries, hierarchies and subsystems. A family may have clear, intertwined, or disengaged boundaries. A clear boundary implies a boundary between people that simultaneously allows for emotional closeness and distance. Clear boundaries include a strong sense of identity, autonomy and closeness. Each culture defines proximity and distance differently. Tangled boundaries imply that a person loses their identity due to a lack of independence. Entangled interaction provides little distinction in terms of individuality and autonomy. Disengaged boundaries distance themselves from others to the detriment of the relationship. Gehart (2014) explains the three forms of hierarchy: effective, insufficient and excessive. An effective hierarchy has healthy, appropriate, and success-enabling boundaries. Insufficient hierarchy means adults allow children to do whatever they want with few consequences. Excessive hierarchies involve a parenting style of strict rules and unfair consequences. The last fundamental concept Gehart writes about is subsystems. There can be a subsystem between parents, children, and parents and children. Gehart (2014) asserts that a parent-child subsystem, or intergenerational coalition, can be detrimental. In this scenario, a child and parent team up against another parent. Parent-child coalition is common among divorced parents. Each parent can attempt to form a coalition with the child. Often, coalitions can be secret, whether divorce or marriage.Biosoci...... middle of article......, M., Giordano, J. , Garcia-Preto, N. (Ed.). (2005). ethnicity and family therapy 3rd ed. New York, New York. The Guildford Press. Melito. R., (2006). Integrating individual and family therapies: a structural-developmental approach. Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy, 16(3), 346-381. doi:10.1037/1053-0479.16.3.346Ramisch, JL, McVicker, M. and Sahin, ZS, (2009). Helping low-conflict divorced parents establish appropriate boundaries using a variation of the miracle question: an integration of solution-focused therapy and structural family therapy. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 50, 481-495. doi:10.1080/10502550902970587Ryan, WJ, Conti, RP and Simon, GM, (2013). Compatibility of assumptions facilitates treatment fidelity among therapists learning structural family therapy. The American Journal of Family Therapy. 41. 403-414. Doi:10.1080/01926187.2012.727673