Family assistance in crisis based on systemic therapy and family therapy for alcohol problems. Selected pastoral topics

The chapter discusses family assistance in crisis based on two main approaches: systemic psychology and addiction therapy with a pastoral intervention perspective. The presented systemic theories (Virginia Satir, Salvador Minuchin, Carl Whitaker, Augustus Napier) emphasize work with the entire family, analysis of communication patterns, and revealing hidden relational dynamics. The importance of distinguishing between the role of a psychologist and a pastor is pointed out, as well as the significance of the systemic method in identifying the family's "scapegoat" – the person on whom family problems are focused. Pastoral support for families affected by alcohol problems is also discussed, taking into account the Church's role in promoting sobriety and supporting Al-Anon communities. The conclusions indicate that integrating psychological and pastoral approaches opens the possibility of deep family transformation and the realization of the Christian principle of communio personarum.