According to Haley, what is crucial for change to occur in a family situation?

Haley emphasized the importance of the social worker's intervention in creating change within a family dynamic. He believed that an effective intervention requires an understanding of the family's communication patterns and relational dynamics, which are often complex and entrenched. By strategically intervening, the social worker can help families recognize dysfunctional patterns, shift perspectives, and promote healthier interactions.

The social worker's role is to facilitate change by guiding the family toward exploring underlying issues and developing new ways of relating to one another. Interventions may include reframing issues, prompting productive discussions, or encouraging accountability, all of which can lead to meaningful transformation in a family's functioning and relationships.

This understanding reflects the systemic nature of family therapy, where individual behaviors are understood in the context of the larger family dynamics. Thus, the social worker's expertise and input are central to initiating and sustaining change within the family unit. The success of a therapeutic intervention heavily relies on this dynamic, rather than solely on the willingness of any one family member or external resources.