| Abstract: | It was shown previously that symptoms could be seen as linguistic expressions of ambivalence at both an individual and a family level, resulting in conflicting discourses in the family. In this way everyone s options for action become limited. This article illustrates, by means of case examples, how the oscillation between the two opposite poles of such ambivalence limits the options for change available to all parties involved, including the therapist. It also shows how the concept of conservation of autonomy can be utilized to become aware of the limitations existing in the systems seen in psychotherapy, thereby enabling the therapist to avoid such limitations in treatment. |
