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Model based on complexity

• System theory – von Bertalanffy(1967)

• ‘pattern which connects’ –Bateson (1979)

• [ cybernetics – Wiener ( 1940) ]

• Double bind hypothesis

• Family homeostasis hypothesis – Jackson ( 1957) –> conjoint FT ( similarity to homeopathy) -> paradoxical intervention -> strategic approach.

Model based on complexity

• Brief therapy- > problem oriented therapy -> behavioural oriented

• Systemic approach emphasize on meaning ( Batesonian concept)->

Milan school

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cecchin

lugi

maraselvini

Milan school- salient features

• five part therapy sessions.• the use of co-therapy and a team behind a screen.• a commitment to the guidelines of hypothesizing.• circularity and neutrality & circular questioning.• end of session interventions involving positive

connotation and the prescription of rituals, some of which were apparently paradoxical;

Features

• long gaps between sessions

• and the idea that the goal of therapy was altering the family belief system so as to end the symptom –maintaining interactional patterns

Processes

• Circular causality

• Circular questioning.

• Counter-paradox

• Family games

• Hypothesizing

• Invariant prescription

• Neutrality

Processes

• Odd days and even days

• Positive connotation

• Problem of the referring person

• Rituals

Intervention

• Restructuring (+ve connotation)

• The simple prescription

(counter paradox, Meta communication)

• Metaphoric prescription

Team split in 1980

• Cecchin and Boscolo have evolved a non-interventionist style premised on social constructionism where the therapist’s use of circular questioning opens up space for the client and therapist to co-construct multiple new perspectives on the problem situation

• Selvini Palazzoli and Prata developed the strategic aspects of the original model further by outlining the development of particular types of problem maintaining interaction patterns that they referred to as family games.

• stratergic therapy style-> highly directive)

Summary

• Each family system develops a unique set of relationships, patterns of interactions and belief systems

• In healthy families these are sufficiently flexible to promote adaptation to the changing demands of the family lifecycle and the wider ecological system.

• Unhealthy families hold belief systems that are not sufficiently flexible to promote adaptation.

Summary

• Circular questions asked from positions of curiosity and irreverence (neutrality) to bring forth the family’s construction of the problem.

• Challenging the family belief system that underpins problem maintaining interaction patterns.

• Circular questioning within sessions and end of session interventions are used to promote change.

References

• FAMILY THERAPY Concepts, Process and Practice Second Edition .Alan Carr John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2006.

• The Milan Approach to Family Therapy. Guido L burbatti, Laura Formenti.Jason Aronson Inc.1988