Systemic Family Therapy

Question 1

What is the theoretical basis for Milan Systemic Therapy

Answer 1

• focus on information gathered from behavioral problems RATHER than psycic problems
• a mental problem is is really a problem in social interaction
• families are caught in repeating problems
• something is only a problem if the family thinks it’s a problem
• therapist is part of the pattern that they are observing not removed from it
• use of language to overcome unhealthy behaviors (his behaviour is agressive NOT he is agressive)
• or change meaning of what belief to change behavior

Question 2

How Symptoms Develop according to Milan Systemic Therapy?

Answer 2

• symptoms are the family member’s effort to maintain system’s homeostatic balance
• symptoms serve a function
• reactions to symptoms give useful info about how family is organized

Question 3

What is the Goal of Milan Systemic Therapy?

Answer 3

2nd Order Change: change rules in order to change behavior

-figure out the rules of the game for that family to determine how homeostasis is maintained?

Question 4

What is the Set up of Therapy fro Milan Systemic Therapy?

Answer 4

• Entire family is seen
• when impasse is reached, either bring in more family members or more team members to consult
• monthly therapy sessions

Question 5

What is the process of Milan Systemic Therapy?

Answer 5

Hypothesizing: to promote change NOT to find reality

• Circularity: therapists would ask circular questions (what does your husband think about johnny’s tantrums?)
• Neutrality: therapist to remain neutral toward all members. No problems unless family thinks it’s a problem. (Later reworked by feminists)

Question 6

Milan and postmodern approach?

Answer 6

Ceccin: neutraity/curiousity
-therapist part of the system and family -and therapist mutually influence eachother
therapist not RESPONSIBLE FOR OUTCOME but therapist peruurbs the -system and finds its own answers
-THE PROBLEM CREATES THE SYSTEM THE SYSTEM DOES NOT CREATE THE PROBLEM

Question 7

What is Practice of Milan Associates?

Answer 7

-Entire family seen like Milan
-Team approach like Milan
-Interventions
difference in perception of relationships
difference in degree
now/then differences
hypothetical or future differences

Question 8

What are Unique properties of Selvini Palazzoli’s Milan Systemic Therapy?

Answer 8

Goal of intervention INVARIANT PRESCRIPTION)
unstick problematic behaviors and unhinge collusive child-parent patterns
(she eventually returned to long-term analytic treatment)