Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 2004. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 217-221).

Thesis (M.Res.(Med.))--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-134) Also available in print.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 2004. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 217-221).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.

This thesis attempts to construct a conceptual map for thinking about family therapy in a recursive way. The axes used for this map are 1) the Taoist philosophy of change in the Chinese classic I Ching, and 2) the cybernetic epistemology of Gregory Bateson. Each is used to help explicate the other. The relational character of patterned change in the I Ching is explored in depth from five different perspectives. The first discusses the elusive and paradoxical subject of the Tao, the meta-pattern which interweaves stability and change, and connects all living systems in a dynamic recursive balance. The Tao is process, the context of all change, and is closely related to Bateson's notion of immanent Mind. The second perspective examines the nature of the relationship between yin and yang, the complementary opposites that are both distinct (separate) and mutually dependent (connected). The relation between connection and separation is the basis of the recursive balance of life and death, and is an important theme in therapy. The third perspective presents a model for the understanding of gradual development and sudden transformation as part of a cyclic process of completion. Like a plant going to seed, the maturation of a situation or relationship heralds both death and renewal. But such completion is only possible when there is a flowing connection between parts of the system. The counsellor uses various techniques for helping the family connect in ways which allow old patterns to disperse and new ones to emerge. There are some indications that the authors of the I Ching were directly influenced by the Chinese philosophy of music. The fourth perspective discusses this possibility in some depth and then turns to modern jazz theory as a means of characterizing the relationship between family and therapist, and of explaining the way change is introduced into the therapeutic system. The fifth perspective explains the nature of the I Ching's curious diagrams of change known as "hexagrams." Based on the relation between yin and yang, and illustrated with mantic, philosophical, and poetic phrases, hexagrams, in both structure and image, are metaphoric expressions of process and connection. The thesis concludes with a case-history of a dysfunctional family and a description of their changes In terms of the principles outlined in the previous chapters. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

M.A. (Social Work) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1981.

Text in Afrikaans / 'n Terapeutiese sisteem word gevorm, wanneer 'n terapeut hom by 'n gesin aansluit. 'n Terapeut fokus op patrone van interaksie en verhoudinge van die gesin wat terapie benodig. Deur met die gesin te bind, tree die terapeut in interaksie met die ekologie van die gesin. Sekere idees word hierdeur gegenereer aangaande die moontlike intervensies, wat tot die verlangde veranderinge kan lei. In die studie, tree ek as navorser op en as gesinsterapeut gedurende die terapeutiese interaksie, het dit geblyk dat die patrone in die gesin, elemente van paradokse bevat. T een-paradokse is as intervensies geformuleer. Paradokse en die nut daarvan in die gesin, het die navorser/terapeut se verbeelding geprikkel. Hierdie studie verteenwoordig sommige teoretiese aspekte aangaande paradokse en 'n demonstrasie van aanwending van die paradoks, soos toegepas gedurende drie sessies 'n gesinterapie. Ek deel ook my punktuasies aangaande die nut van die paradoks vir die die gesinsterapie-praktyk,met die Ieser. / A therapeutic system is formed when the therapist enters a particular family. A therapist focuses on the patterns of interaction and the relationships of a family that requires therapeutic intervention. By joining the family, the therapist finds in the ecology of the family some ideas for the possible interventions that might lead to the desired changes. In this study, I acted as both researcher and family therapist. During the therapeutic interaction it became aparent that the patterns in the family contained elements of paradoxes. Counter-paradoxes were formulated as interventions. The phenomenon of paradoxes and its usefulness in family therapy captured the researcher/therapist's imagination. This study presents some theoretical aspects regarding paradoxes, and a demonstration of the use of the paradox as applied during three sessions in family therapy. I also share my punctuations of the usefulness of the paradox for the family therapy practice with the reader. / Social Work / M.A. (Sosiale Wetenskappe (Geestesgesondheid))

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographies. Also available via the Internet.