The Butchers, an eclectic approach to family therapy

The thesis of this paper is that differing theoretical constructs offer a variety of rich approaches when responding to the problems families present. To work exclusively within one theoretical framework is to deny oneself the value latent in other models, and thus restrict one's therapeutic competence. It is suggested that various family therapy models can be worked together without contradiction if they are subsumed in an overriding systems approach. It is also pointed out that the various models have particular capabilities and limitations with differing therapeutic goals. Ten interviews with one family are used to illustrate an eclectic approach in therapy.