The common factors debate conducted on the pages of this and other major family therapy journals has evolved toward a preliminary consensus that the therapist plays a crucial role in activating and effectively bundling common and model-specific factors in the delivery of successful treatment. However, Blow, Sprenkle, and Davis (2007) remain…

Proposes that concepts of causality and power are compatible with systemic paradigm based on cybernetics of Ashby rather than that of Bateson. Criticizes Bateson's repudiation of causality and power; addresses related Batesonian biases against "quantity" and "logic." Contrasts relevant aspects of Ashby's cybernetic theory with…

Contends that constructivist epistemology is not a new family therapy doctrine but reflects a shift from a nontraditional to a traditional use of the term "epistemology." Demonstrates how recent articulations of constructivism have resulted in some logical contradictions of earlier "epistemology" debates. Questions and…

Surveyed members of the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (N=426) regarding the utilization of marital and family therapy models in clinical work. The number and percentage of respondents using each model specified were assessed. Rankings denoting prevalence of the eight models were derived from first-choice responses. (JAC)

Considers whether or not intervention and strategy are necessary components of competent therapy. Sees passive listening and expert interpretations as consequences of psychodynamic theory; active manipulation of social structure and strategic intervention into feedback as consequences of mechanical assumptions of structural and cybernetic theory;…

Describes extension of strategic therapy model that enables selective application of content and techniques from both individual and family therapy approaches. Illustrates through three case examples process-oriented, constructivist rationale for eclectic strategic practice as well as a more collaborative and relationship-oriented perspective of…

Comments on Haley's paper "The Effect of Long-Term Outcome Studies on the Therapy of Schizophrenia." Criticizes Haley for making gratuitous, demeaning remarks about psychiatry; concluding that schizophrenia is a psychological and social problem; recommending ineffective treatments for the psychotic phase; and recommending psychotherapy without…

Argues that the family and the enterprise of family therapy are social systems and under the influence of the ideology particular to a given society. The strategic family therapy treatment of a family with a drug-addicted member serves as an example to clarify the ideological themes of contemporary family therapy. (Author/BL)

Considers the strengths and weaknesses of an integrative approach to family therapy. An integrative approach can explain a broad range of human behavior and can shape intervention strategy in a manner appropriate to each case. The potential pitfalls basically revolve around the complexity of practice. (JAC)

Reexamines the Mental Research Institute associates' intervention of reframing in marital therapy. Describes use of Ericksonian strategies of ratification and utilization, with emphasis on nonverbal language, conjoint reframing, unconscious wisdom, and recursive therapy. Presents ratification and utilization interventions. (Author/ABL)

Responds to calls from feminist scholars to address potential biases against women in theories of family therapy. Summarizes findings from studies of female development and integrates findings into expanded model of Bowen's family systems theory. Includes case example comparing expanded model with traditional application of Bowen's theory.…

Discusses whether the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model takes a covert political stance which reinforces traditional gender roles in both family and therapist. Examines FFT's affirmation of existing political functions in the family as well as suggested therapist use of self. Discusses implications and recommends changes. (BH)

Suggests not an exclusive focus on emotion in couples therapy, but rather, the inclusion of emotion into an integrative approach which involves affect, cognition, and behavior in a systemic framework. Affect has too long been neglected both as an agent of therapeutic change and as a direct target of change. (Author/ABL)

Presents a cybernetic view of brief family therapy. Includes a historical discussion of the key ideas underlying brief family therapy, a cybernetic model of therapeutic change, and a clinical case for exemplification. (Author/JAC)

Family therapy educators listed most critical/basic skills/competencies of beginning family therapists with transgenerational orientation. Self-selected respondents then rated items according to importance for beginning therapists. Found transgenerational family therapy skills founded in theory and identifiable behaviorally. Most important skills…