How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 157

Second-order change is change that alters the system itself. This type of change is thus a "change of
change."
It appears that the French proverb is applicable only to first-order change. In second-order change, there are
actual changes in the rules governing the system, and therefore the system is transformed structurally and/or
communicationally. Second-order change always involves a discontinuity and tends to be sudden and
radical: it represents a quantum leap in the system to a different level of functioning.
Systemic therapy focuses on facilitating second-order change. Our case example beautifully exemplified
changes that were dramatic and rapid. A change occurred in the system itself, in addition to a change in the
presenting problem.
In summary, we concur with Bateson (1979) that change is constantly evolving in families and that
frequently we are unaware or change. This is the type of continuous or spontaneous change that occurs with
everyday living and with progression through individual and family stages of development.
These changes may or may not occur with professional input. We also believe that major transformations of
an entire family system can he precipitated by major life events and / or interventions by family therapists.
We view change as a systems/cybernetic phenomenon; that is, change within a family may occur within the
cognitive, affective, or behavioral domains, hut change in any one domain will have an impact on the other
domains. However, we believe that the most profound and sustaining change will be that which occurs
within the family's belief system (cognition).
There are certain concepts regarding change we have found particularly useful in our systemic clinical work
with Families. We will discuss the two most salient concepts here.
First, the ability to alter one's perception of a problem enhances the ability for change (Wright & Leahey,
1984). It is essential that both family members and family therapists alter their perceptions of a problem. If a
therapist agrees with the way a family views a problem, then nothing new will be offered. How we, as
therapists, perceive and conceptualize a particular problem determines how we will intervene.
When a therapist conceptualizes developmenta1 problems from systems/ cybernetic perspective, his or her
perceptions will be based on a completely different conception of "reality" as a result of these theoretical
assumptions.
Our clinical practice with families who present at the FNU with developmental problems is based on a
systemic-cybernetic-communicational theoretical foundation. Interventions are based primarily on the
systemic model (Selvini-Palazzoli et al, 1980; Tomm. 1984a, 1984b). These are some of our efforts to think
systemically. But what of families?
Individual family members construct their own realities of a situation based on personal beliefs and
assumptions. Families and family members need assistance in moving from a linear perspective of the
problem to a circular one. This is possible only if the therapist doesn't become caught in linear thinking
when attempting to understand family dynamics.
We have found that one way to avoid becoming linear in conceptualizing developmental problems is to
avoid thinking that the view of a particular family member or of all family members are "right" or correct.''
The challenging position of the therapist is to offer an alternate perception, reality, or epistemology
that will free the family to develop is own solutions to the problems. This alternate reality is usually
redefined as an interpersonal or relationship problem.
The second salient concept is that change does not occur as a result of therapeutic elaboration of a family's
understanding of developmental problems. In our cli