Intergenerational Patterns Of Over-Function Within The Keller Family

under function, low desire partner when it comes to keeping the family together, being involved with the children and finding a new job. David tries to maintain his anxiety by emotionally distancing himself from the rest of the family. He often remains quiet during times of conflict with his wife or children and he is quick to seclude himself during family dinners. This has made him too isolated from the family. Kassie is the over functioning, high desire partner when it comes to taking initiative in bringing the family together and trying to encourage David to get another job. Kassie is very emotionally reactive which is why she is a low differentiation of self. She tries to control the functioning of David by hassling him about finding a
Avery also has a low differentiation of self and this may be why she bullies others. She like to be in control and have a group of friends who do not challenge what she says or does. When the student at school did challenge her, Avery reacted emotionally by insulting and threatening the student. Avery is also preparing to emotionally cut off her family by expressing that her sole purpose for earning good grades is to get accepted into college and to move far away from her family. The genogram showed intergenerational patterns of emotional distance, under functioning, over function and low differentiation within the Keller family. David way of maintaining anxiety is by emotionally distancing himself from the family, Joshua does the same as his father and Avery is preparing to do the same when she finishes high school. David is also the under function partner when it comes to finding a new job and Joshua has the same under functioning qualities when it comes to motivating himself to get an education. Kassie is the over functioning partner and is emotionally reactive which is why she has a low differentiation of self just like Avery who is the over functioning individual among her group of
Before working towards solutions to the Keller family’s problem of anxiety management, I asked each member what they would be willing to sacrifice in order to solve their problem and achieve their goals. David is willing to face conflict head on with his wife by having a calm discussion rather than shutting down and isolating himself. In order for that to be possible, Kassie is willing to work on becoming less emotionally reactive and minimizing her negative comments towards David. Joshua said he is willing to accept guidance from both of his parents, as long as it is supportive and positive. Avery also agreed to work on accepting her family into her life and becoming less emotionally