Presents a systematic approach to enriching marital relationships. The history and current status of marital enrichment is reviewed. An Adlerian approach to marital enrichment is described. Applications of the program in enrichment groups, marriage therapy and couple groups are included. (Author)

Examines theoretical dilemmas arising from the polarization of family epistemologies into the pragmatic and the aesthetic. Examines the problem of ascertaining the truth of any theory, from three perspectives: truth as fact, coherence, and usefulness. Concludes with four advantages of applying systems theory to the theory and practice of family…

Contends that family therapists, with their systems epistemology, can apply their training to working with athletic teams. Revisits innovative approach to working with athletic teams from systems perspective. Presents additional interventions, focus group interview with team (postconsultation), and general principles developed in working with…

Considers addictions and construct of codependence. Offers critical review and synthesis of codependency literature, along with an intergenerational family systems framework for conceptualizing the relationship of the dysfunctional family to the construct of codependence. Presents theoretical basis for systemic clinical work and research in this…

Describes how dialectic metatherapy may be used to integrate various dimensions of human development as they pertain to symptom formation and therapy. A dialectical conceptualization of therapy allows one to systematically organize individually and systematically oriented ideas. Points out the paradoxical nature of therapy and how to use this…

Examines the major principles and goals of contextual therapy and methods employed in its clinical application. A second article presents an interview with Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, who developed contextual family therapy. The interview ranges from Dr. Nagy's early training to the theoretical and clinical foundations of contextual family therapy.…

Field theory is interactional. It asserts that genetic predispositions, acquired characteristics, uniqueness, and behaviors of individual impact are affected by events and people in environment. This can be seen clearly in development of children who join family rather than being born into it. Resulting complexities can be seen in family therapy…

Presents two conference reviews. The first review by G. Mary Bourne reviews the conference "Accessing Inherent Resources in Individuals and Families" held in Minneapolis in September 1986. The second review by Michael E. Kerr reviews the conference "Twenty-Third Georgetown University Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy" held in…

Presents a clinical technique for working with troubled couples based on a particular theory of multiple communication in therapy. The technique, a "systemic couples reversal," prescribes a way of managing the multiple communications of stability, change, and meaningful Rorschach. Provides a theoretical map, clinical procedure, and…

Reviews the literature concerning school-family intervention, and presents a treatment model in which the therapist first interdicts, and then gradually restores school-family communication, as necessary changes are effected in both systems. (BH)

Reviews the types of elective mutism and proposes common characteristics of elective mutists' families. Examines the potential for a redefinition of the term "elective mutism." Concludes that family dynamics are an integral part of the problem and need to be considered in a comprehensive treatment plan. (BH)

Q-sorts by experts were used to compare four structural/strategic/systemic therapy models. Results suggest that the models share a practical, strategic orientation to change, emphasizing reframing, but attach different importance to history, inference, abstraction, and contextual breadth. (Author)

Families are compared to work organizations from a systems perspective, establishing parallels in needs for change and growth. The theoretical underpinnings of Organization Development (OD) are discussed in light of their use in conceptualizing family therapy. From this viewpoint, the consultant role, systems diagnosis and OD interventions are…

Examined the verbal interaction styles of two marital combinations to study sibling position differences in marital interaction. Analyzed the content, style, and tone of the verbal interactions between the spouses. First- and second-born couples approached issue resolution with more direct openness than second- and third-born couples who preferred…

Holistic epistemology of systems must neither reify the system nor obscure the dynamics of the members. The sometimes diverging perspectives of the psychodynamic/growth and structural/strategic approaches actually converge in the realization that personal experiencing and social structure are not dichotomous phenomena but are related through the…