Investigated the idea of spatial arrangement as applied to married couples as a first step in the study of the diagnostic value of spatial relationships in family therapy. Showed that couples' space can be used to identify conflicted marital relationships and to differentiate between distressed and nondistressed couples on the basis of husbands'…

Tested the relevance of the personal space concept when applied to marital relationships. Married couples (N=24) completed five questionnaires. Results showed that the personal space concept did apply, i.e., distance between couples increased as marital quality decreased. A stop-distance measure discriminated between distressed and non-distressed…

The family floor plan, as a tool for training, teaches systems concepts while trainees examine their family-of-origin. In family therapy, the floor plan can be used to assess family interaction patterns and to intervene. The floor plan tool and its applications are described, including short case vignettes. (Author)

Describes an approach to family therapy in which the conceptual formulation provides a framework for integrating many techniques into a coherent whole. Defines conflicts in distance regulation, the "too far/too close" family systems in particular, to illustrate one form of family dysfunction. Outlines teaching practices congruent with…