Family Systems - Understanding Roles and Recovery

This course offers a deep and practical look into how family systems form, especially in the presence of addiction or chronic dysfunction. You’ll learn to recognize the invisible roles family members often adopt—like the Hero, Victim, Lost Child, or Chief Enabler—and how these roles impact long-term emotional health. The course also explores how family meetings and intentional recovery tools can disrupt unhealthy patterns and rebuild connection, accountability, and hope.

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What you'll learn

Identify and understand the key roles individuals adopt in dysfunctional families
Recognize how addiction (both substance and behavioral) impacts family dynamics
Understand how these roles can shape identity, relationships, and emotional health
Learn how family meetings can help rebuild trust and accountability
Begin shifting patterns of dysfunction toward healthier communication and support

Course Content

Section 1: Understanding the Family System

Roles Overview

3 items

Victim and Hero

3 items

Chief Enabler

3 items

Process vs Substance Addiction

3 items

Section 2: The Children in the System

Lost Child

3 items

Oops Child

3 items

Only Child

3 items

Victim (as Role)

3 items

Effecting Children

3 items

Section 3: Breaking the Cycle

Help and Treatment

3 items

Family Meetings - Purpose and the How

3 items

About the Instructor

C

Chrissy Buechler

Expert instructor with a passion for teaching and helping students succeed.

Ready to take your skills to the next level?