In [[Strategic Family Therapy]], there is an idea that problems serve a function. They tell you where the misalignment is between rules and hierarchy. For example, if a dad is suffering from alcoholism, and the rest of the family is coming together to support him, the problem is serving a function within the system. - In this example, how would the family function with each other if there was no problem in the system anymore? Three explanations for problem development: - Cybernetic: difficulties are turned into chronic problems by misguided solutions - Structural: problems are the results of incongruent hierarchies (child-making decisions) - Functional: problems occur when people try to protect or control one another covertly, so their symptoms serve a function to the system