10. Laws of systemic therapy: Communication Axioms

Question 1

Axiom 1

Answer 1

It is impossible not to communicate

• All conduct is an interaction
• Even silence

Question 2

Axiom 2

Answer 2

In any communication we must differentiate between aspects of content (level digital-verbal) and relational aspects (analogue level- non-verbal)

Question 3

Axiom 3

Answer 3

Incongruity between the 2 levels of communication gives rise to paradoxical messages

Double Bind theory

Question 4

Axiom 4

Answer 4

The definition of an interaction is conditioned by the scores that the participant introduces

• Score is the way of organizing the facts to form an ordered sequence
• For the participant the sequence has a beginning and an end
• External observer sees circular causality, recurring process

Question 5

Axiom 5

Answer 5

Basic forms of interpersonal relationship

• Symmetrical relations
• Complementary (acceptance and enjoyment or conflict)