This study investigated the application of six techniques from systemic family therapy.
A review of the history of family therapy identified the major contributions from
general psychiatry, communications theory and cybernetics which had combined to
form the therapies known collectively as systemic family therapy. The theory was
outlined and examined and the major assumptions which are the basis for specific
techniques of therapy within this model were identified. Six of these techniques were
examined and demonstrated in therapy. The outcome of each technique was
assessed.
A family was seen from initial contact to termination, using a two member team
approach (Viaro and Leonardi, 1983) in which-one therapist observed the other
through a one way video arrangement. The presenting problem was a suicide
attempt by an adolescent, culminating in admission to hospital.
Therapy using the model was concluded in four sessions. Follow-up at six months
disclosed no further admissions to hospital and a report from the family that they
were satisfied with the outcome of therapy.
Distinctions between first and second order cybernetic therapy were made and the
therapists were found to adhere to a first order model. Successful and unsuccessful
use of the techniques is identified and discussed. Using as a measure the absence
of further suicide attempts and the family's self reported reduction in the number of
arguments between the parents and the identified patient, it was concluded that the
use of the nominated techniques from systemic family therapy had enabled
successful intervention.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218730 |
| Date | January 1988 |
| Creators | Fern, Maxime, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Maxime Fern |
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