Family Unit Therapy and the Science and Typology of Family Systems

This paper attempts to review and evaluate the theoretical models used in family therapy. Speer's ( 20 ) critique is given special attention. This critique provides a starting point for a theoretical reformulation, supported by the author's ( 20 , 21 ) and other workers' ( 5 ) experimental findings. A theoretically derived, three-dimensional typology of family systems is described. This is based on the notion of a balance between morphostatic and morphogenic properties of the family system, as defined. Using a high and low value for each of the three dimensions, eight family types are isolated and each type is tied to therapeutic predictions. The proposed typology is discussed in relation to an inductively derived typology recently reported by Reiss ( 16 ) The need for further validation of the typological scheme is stressed, and its possible clinical applications are outlined.     

Symbiosis, the Family, and Natural Systems

Family systems theory, as developed by Murray Bowen, has its conceptual basis in natural systems. A basic premise is that emotional process is not unique to homo sapiens and that human behavior might better be understood by observing this process in the broader context of all natural systems. This essay discusses the phenomenon of symbiosis as it is used in the natural sciences and as it relates to the emergence of increasingly complex systems in nature. Finally, the emergence of the parent/offspring symbiosis from its possible origins to its development in the human family is discussed.     

Systems Techniques in Family Therapy: Two Pragmatic Approaches

Duhl, F.J. The Use of the Chronological Chart in General Systems Family Therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1981, 7, 361–373. Resnikoff, R.R. Teaching Family Therapy: Ten Key Questions for Understanding the Family as Patient. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1981, 7, 135–142.     

Circumplex Model of Family Systems: A Treatment Tool in Family Counseling

The Circumplex Model and its diagnostic inventory, FACES III, are emerging as important tools for the family counselor. The authors describe the model and inventory and illustrate their use through a case study with a multiproblem family.     

Family and Systems Therapy and Training in Portugal

The history of systemic family therapy in Portugal since its appearance until the present is discussed. Some data on systemic family therapists’ training is provided in the context of the Portuguese Society of Family Therapy and Academic Institutions. In Portugal, family therapy has been extended to various contexts, including medical and community services. Finally, future directions for family and systems therapy practice and training in Portugal are provided emphasizing the importance of family interventions as an important resource to empower families living with health chronic conditions. The Portuguese Family Therapy Society, every 2 years, organizes a scientific Iberian conference with Portuguese and Spanish speakers. This allows the exchange of clinical experience and research about family and systems theory.     

Teaching Family Systems Therapy to social Work Students

No abstract available for this article.     

Integrative Shifts for the Theory and Practice of Family Systems Therapy

This paper describes several disagreements among approaches to family therapy and proposes two conceptual shifts providing a more integrative perspective. The first shift focuses on the implications of different ways therapists orient themselves to the developing structures of the therapy system and to the disabled structures of the client system. The second shift reconsiders theoretical approaches in terms of the types of distance they require of the therapist and the types of information these distances provide and ignore. Finally, the paper also discusses a means for classifying the different types of goals therapists establish for their clients, emphasizing that these goals must be consistent with the clients' views of themselves and the world.     

Professional Politics and the Concepts of Family Therapy, Family Consultation, and Systems Consultation

At a time when an increasing number of professionals are calling themselves "family therapists," many teachers and theorists in this field are troubled that the term "family therapy" no longer adequately characterizes the concepts or activities of the field. Recently, clinical, political, and economic circumstances have emerged that suggest the need for alternatives to the role of "family therapist." By adding the roles of family consultant and systems consultant, we can open up new options for ourselves and our clients. During initial contacts with families, agencies, and other professionals, we can heighten our therapeutic potential by proceeding with consultative stocktaking, not starting with therapy. Family consultation also can assist in redirecting therapy when a new problem or an impasse develops, in focusing on competency rather than on pathology, and in engaging constructively with families that have a physically or mentally ill member.     

Human‐Animal Bonds II: The Role of Pets in Family Systems and Family Therapy

The vast majority of pet owners regard their companion animals as family members, yet the role of pets in family systems and family therapy has received little attention in research, training, and practice. This article first notes the benefits of family pets and their importance for resilience. It then examines their role in couple and family processes and their involvement in relational dynamics and tensions. Next, it addresses bereavement in the loss of a cherished pet, influences complicating grief, and facilitation of mourning and adaptation. Finally, it explores the ways that clients' pets and the use of therapists' companion animals in animal‐assisted therapy can inform and enrich couple and family therapy as valuable resources in healing.     

Integrative Family and Systems Treatment with Parental Mental Illness: A Hong Kong Chinese Family

Integrative Family and Systems Treatment (I-FAST) is a systems-based, home-based, and strengths-oriented treatment model that has been developed and implemented within the community mental health system. Using a single case example, this paper discusses the application of I-FAST to a Chinese family in Hong Kong in which the mother was diagnosed with depression. The paper critically examines the deficit-based approach, widely used in the mental health field, which stigmatizes people with psychiatric disabilities. Treatment implications of families with parental mental illness in a Chinese context are discussed.