How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 285

E. The power of family therapy
1. Evolution from 1950’s to today
2.1975 - 1985 as golden age - shared optimism and common purpose
3. Problems may originate from interaction so change focuses on interactions
4. Questions:
a. Constructivist notions?
b. Narrative therapy?
c. Integrative techniques?
d. Social issues?
F. Contemporary cultural influences
1. Managed health care
a. Crisis intervention versus ongoing personal exploration?
b. Confidentiality?. Prejudicial employers?
2. Postmodern scepticism
a. Integrated schools of thought
b. Approaches to clients or clients to approaches?
G. Thinking in lines vs. Thinking in circles
1. Cause and effect perspectives - unilateral influence
2. Circles of thought as empowering
3. Transforming interactions
4. Major advantage of family therapy: works directly on unhappy relationships
5. The difficulty of change
6. Personal participation in problems
7. Circular problems - the cause is the result and the result the cause
8. Learning life’s painful lessons and understanding the family’s story

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