Structure can be organized into a hierarchal pattern, members are able to relate daily to each other. When the structure is unorganized, members do not have guidelines for relating to each other.

Every family has a structure, this structure is revealed when the family is in action and there are repeated behavioral patterns amongst members

Stable Coalition: is a fixed and inflexible union (such as a mother and son) that becomes a dominant part of the family’s everyday functioning.

Detouring Coalition: When two members hold a third member responsible for their relationship issues. Using the third member as a scapegoat

Coalition: when two family members form an alliance against a third member

Spousal Sybsystem can consist of a heterosexual or homosexual couple. They work best when there is a complementary of functions such as a reciprocal role

The parental subsystem is made up of those responsible for the care, protection, and socialization of children. It is the executive system of the family.

Sub-systems are smaller units of the systems as a whole, without subsystems the family would not be able to function. Subsystems can be temporary or permanent

The sibling subsystem is made up of members who are the same generation. This can be immediate siblings, blended families such as step siblings or half siblings. The larger the age gap, the less likely they will become allies.

Unbalancing is when the therapist sides with an individual or subsystem against the rest of the family. Family members have to expand their roles and functions, and their responding.

Restructuring is focused on changing the family's structure. Restructuring makes the family more functional by altering the existing hierarchy and interaction patterns so that problems are not maintained

In tracking, the therapist follows the content of the family by asking open-ended questions to gather information about the family. Tracking is best exemplified when the therapist gives a family feedback.