1. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 IV. Fundamental Concepts of Family Therapy Power Point presentation prepared by Leslie Barnes-Young, PhD, Francis Marion University “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of program.”

2. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 Systemic Concepts Recall that systems theory holds that many problems are a product of the relationships that surround them. The family is a system with characteristics of its own. The focus of investigation is on the interaction within and among systems and individuals.

3. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 Cybernetics Is concerned with the study of feedback mechanisms in systems. Two types of feedback loops: –Negative, signals the system to restore the status quo –Positive, signals the need to modify the system. Both types result in homeostasis.

4. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 Systemic Concepts cont. Circular causality –We mutually influence each other via– Patterns of Interaction –Family members’ characteristic ways of behaving. Centrality of Communication –Patterns of interaction expressed are both verbal and nonverbal. –“One cannot not communicate.”

5. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 Systemic Concepts cont. Rules –Define the family –May be overt or covert Boundaries –Regulate the flow of information in and out of the system Triangles –A three-person system –Theorists disagree about their stability Change –1st Order change is superficial. –2nd Order change alters the system.

6. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 Family Life Cycle Adopted my many family therapists. Includes predictable life stages and emotional issues beyond those described by individual models of development. Illustrates inherent family complexity. Acknowledges the impact of multiple generations on development.

7. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003 For more information on systemic concepts in family therapy– http://www.oikos.org/baten.htm