Family Systems

Family Systems therapy is a form of counseling that developed its theoretical foundations around fifty years ago.  It focuses on improving the dynamics in relationships such as family, marriage, single and couples.  It is helpful with conflicting rules, unmet expectations, unclear communication, dealing with loss, resolving conflict, parenting, marriage and couples repair, and a better emotional connection among the family members.

Family systems theory proposes that personal experiences we have had in our lives influence how we tend to function in all other relationships. We  don’t know who we are without understanding the relationships we have.  We as individuals need to first learn about ourselves and our emotions that stem from our own family of origin. In better understanding ourselves in our family system, we can become more aware and helpful in relating to bridging conflict in our marriages, our parenting, and our work and community.






People associated with this theory are:



Gregory Bateson (May 1904-1980)  developed the Double Bind theory. Double Bind is a paradox that occurs with an individual experiences conflicting emotional, verbal, or physical message, often seen in families causing dysfunction.




Carl Whitaker's (1912–1995)  idea was that the entire family system was the client.  Dr. Whitaker, was known for his charm and charismatic manner, provocative and innovative teachings. He once told an interviewer that "Every marriage is a battle between two families struggling to reproduce themselves.

Mara Selvini Palazzoli (1916-1999) was an Italian psychiatrist and cofounder of the systemic and constructivist approach to family therapy which became known as the Milan systems approach.

The ultimate goal of therapy is to assist a family to function in more comfortable and useful ways. 







A common technique used is family systems therapy. Family members act out their roles so that
the therapist and other family members are able to see the cause and effect of certain behaviors. Once these are recognized, the members can work to understand how their actions affect each other’s roles and begin to modify or adopt positive behaviors that benefit themselves and the family as a whole.




References


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_therapy
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