Bowen Family Systems Theory's central construct, differentiation of self (DoS), is one of the most recognized constructs to systemic researchers and psychology professionals. The present study reviewed the available evidence on DoS from the inception of the construct until July 31, 2020. A scoping review was conducted and a total of 295 primary…

This paper focuses on the conceptual model of an academic course inspired by complexity theory. In the proposed conceptual model, the aim of teaching is to form a learning organization: a knowledge community with emergent properties that cannot be reduced to any linear combination of the properties of its parts. In this approach, the learning of…

This article reflects on the conceptualization and treatment strategies associated with a systems perspective of the somatic couple. It is suggested that resistance to change, nurturance of the somatic patient by his or her partner, and rigid role taking serve to promote relationship stability and individual pseudopower at the cost of patient…

This paper discusses how the child psychotherapist's core skills can be usefully applied in a school setting. It outlines some of the important policy changes that have necessitated a move towards delivering therapeutic work in community settings such as schools. It is argued that the role of the child psychotherapist in schools has much in common…

Responds to Duncan and Solovey's article describing the role of insight in strategic therapy. Considers the importance of self-understanding and insight into how past relationships affect the present to family therapy. Views strategic intervention as an important first step in change, asserting that it must be followed by greater…

Notes that one of most important ways of examining artistic works, and of explicating psychotherapeutic theories, has been the application of psychotherapy's ideas to works of art. Explores the Roman sculpture, the Laocoon, from systems point of view, discussing ways in which this work embodies family therapy concepts and how in turn those…

Describes a newly developing mode of problem-oriented brief therapy. The systemic therapy model emphasizes the interactional context of clients' problems and represents an efficient intervention paradigm. (Author/JAC)

Suggests that the Milan systemic approach probably reflects a significant advance in family therapy and possibly in psychotherapy in general. Provides a historical overview of the development of the approach, an articulation of some major assumptions and background theory, and a brief description of the overall pattern of practice. (Author/JAC)

Presents a relatively new theoretical, clinical, and research approach to dreams. Describes the functional theory of dreams and contrasts the functional approach with the more familiar interpretive approach. Reviews the origins and later spin-offs of the interpretive approach. (Author)

Responds to C. Aaron McNeese's (1995) article, "Family Social Work Practice: From Therapy to Policy." It encompasses the long-standing debate in social work over micro- and macro-level approaches to problem solving, commonly referred to as the "cause-function" debate. The struggle to minimize adverse effects of diversity has…

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…

Discusses research in counseling and psychotherapy, analyzes and critiques the most popularly used meta-models, i.e. those that guide and delimit applied theory, and research. Develops and advocates the use of a systems paradigm for future research. (RC)

THE CONCEPT OF DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM IS USED TO EXAMINE THE OCCURRENCE OF CHANGE IN A THERAPEUTIC INTERVIEW AND TO PROPOSE A THEORY OF THERAPY. BY ANALYZING THE WORKINGS OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL SYSTEM THROUGH THE GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SEE HOW CHANGE OCCURS IN AN INDIVIDUAL FAMILY OR COMMUNITY. APPLIED TO A FAMILY INTERVIEW, THE MODEL…

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…

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)