Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
In families, almost no interaction is simply the result of group processes. Even when
the process of interaction seems to take on a life of its own, it is the product of
personalities, persons conscious of the possibilities of interactions.
A perusal of the current literature reveals a move toward the reintroduction of the
individual and his/her possibilities into the system.
The insistence of a focus on family dynamics, while providing a sharpened awareness
of relationships and interactive patterns, resulted in selective absorption and the
tendency to ignore individual family matters.
In this thesis it is suggested that there is a need for the reintroduction of the individual
into family therapy practice. This approach is based on the discovery in a number of
therapies, that different individual family members were reacting differently to the same
intervention.
A detailed case example is presented to illustrate this approach. The study questions
the need for all family members to be present" in each therapy session. Furthermore,
the study describes concurrent individual therapy processes with individual members
of the family and the resulting systemic changes that were observed.
Family therapy has demonstrated that it is important to consider relational as well as
individual realities in evaluating health and dysfunction.
Implications for therapy and treatment anslnq from this study include the need for a
broader view which takes into account the realities of all members of the problem determined
system.
In conclusion, the author warns against the dangers of focusing on any single
viewpoint. A lack of respect for the realities of all members of the professional family
system, and adherence to a single perspective may in fact perpetuate the trauma and
contribute to the distress of the family.