Vignette

The Rivera family — Ana (40), Carlos (42), her son Diego (14) from a prior relationship, and their daughter Sofia (8) — has been in treatment for Diego's school refusal and academic failure. The therapist observes that Diego is the most verbal and articulate family member in sessions, often answering questions directed at Ana or Carlos. Sofia is quiet and compliant. Carlos refers to Diego as 'your son' when speaking to Ana and rarely addresses Diego directly. The therapist recognizes a structural alignment problem. What is the MOST appropriate intervention?