V. Classic Schools of Family
Therapy, Part 1
Power Point presentation prepared by
Leslie Barnes-Young, PhD, Francis Marion University
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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Communication Approaches:
Basic Constructs
• One cannot not communicate.
• All behavior/communication must
be observed in context.
• Every system is characterized by
rules that maintain the system.
• Relationships are either
symmetrical or complementary.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Communication Approaches:
Therapeutic Techniques
• Concrete definition
of the problem.
• Investigate all
previous solutions.
• Define the change
to be made.
• Implement a
strategy for change.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Psychodynamic Approaches:
Basic Constructs
• Resolving problems in relationships
necessitates intrapsychic exploration.
• Focus on the family-of-origin.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Psychodynamic Approaches:
Therapeutic Techniques
• Individuals, rather
than families, are
the primary clients.
• Early relationships,
often with parents,
are “worked
through” to improve
current
relationships.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Bowen Family Systems Theory:
Basic Constructs
• To Murray Bowen, the family is an
emotional system composed of many
generations, whether living or dead.
• The goal of therapy is the differentiation
of self from one’s family-of-origin.
• Individuals who are not differentiated
form unstable relationships and are
prone to triangulation.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Bowen Family Systems Theory:
Therapeutic Techniques
• The goal of therapy is
differentiation.
• Focus on family and
relationship patterns
rather than specific
issues.
• Look for signs of
emotional cut-off and
triangles.
• The stance of the
therapist is that of
observer.
• Therapists must be
highly differentiated to
avoid the emotionality
of the family system.
• Genograms help
clients map
multigenerational
processes.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Experiential Family Therapy:
Basic Concepts
• Carl Whitaker & Virginia Satir
• Roots in existential/humanistic
orientations of individual
psychology.
• Dysfunction is seen as the
result of denied impulses and
feelings.
• Strong emphasis on promoting
health and development.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Experiential Family Therapy:
Therapeutic Techniques
• Primary therapeutic
goal is growth of all
family members.
• Therapist stages
family “experiments”
in session to
facilitate new roles
and behaviors.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003
Visit these sites–
• Carl Whitaker
http://www.abacon.com/famtherapy/whitaker.html
• Don Jackson
http://www.abacon.com/famtherapy/jackson.html
• Virginia Satir
http://www.abacon.com/famtherapy/satir.html
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003