Systems Theory in Action

Author: Shelly Smith-Acuña
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 047047582X
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 192

Book Description
"Smith-Acuña illuminates the structural hierarchy, roles, and boundaries that give a system structure. The relationship between parts and wholes is both simple and profound, and particularly important in looking at systems structure. These morsels of wisdom are good examples of Smith-Acuña's grace as a systems theory tour guide: one moment she's digging deeper into the nuances among the theories, the next moment she's simplifying without dumbing down, but in a manner that is enormously liberating. We enjoy the fun, full, and informed journey with her." —Frank S. Pittman III, MD A practical presentation of systems theory as a fundamental model for clinical practice Valuable for seasoned mental health professionals as well as those in training, Systems Theory in Action presents systems theory—the unifying principles surrounding the organization and functioning of systems—as it applies to individual, couples, and family therapy. This innovative book explores systems theory as an effective model for general mental health practice. It examines the role systems theory can play, specifically in understanding clients' presenting problems in context, within the various systems and subsystems in which the problems are embedded. Filled with realistic clinical stories illustrating relevant concepts that tie theory to technique, Systems Theory in Action takes an in-depth look at: Systems theory as a solid guide through the dynamic process of psychotherapy The multilayered value of observing human interactions through a systems view Systemic thinking, its core components, and how it serves to reveal a "big picture" view of clients and their presenting problems Systems Theory in Action is a unique contribution to the field, translating the technical terminology of general systems thinking into common, everyday language.

Systems Theory in Action

Author: Shelly Smith-Acuna
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780015702410
Category : Family psychotherapy
Languages : en
Pages : 173

Book Description
Valuable for seasoned mental health professionals as well as those in training, Systems Theory in Action presents systems theory -- the unifying principles surrounding the organization and functioning of systems -- as it applies to individual, couples, and family therapy. This innovative book explores systems theory as an effective model for general mental health practice. It examines the role systems theory can play, specifically in understanding clients' presenting problems in context, within the various systems and subsystems in which the problems are embedded.

Systems Theory and Family Therapy

Author: Raphael J. Becvar
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1538185687
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 159

Book Description
A concise, readable introduction to systems theory (and especially second-order cybernetics) with practical applications to family therapy. Systems Theory and Family Therapy: A Primer, Fourth Edition, provides a thorough yet concise explication of systems theory (cybernetics), which is the primary paradigm for the practice of systemic individual, marital, and family therapy. This book provides an overview of the essential concepts of a systems theoretical perspective using families and family therapy in context as examples and illustrations of their application in professional practice. Readers are invited to see themselves as parts of the systems with which they are working, consistent with a second-order cybernetics perspective. This book concludes with more than one hundred examples of how the meta-perspective of systems theory can be used in work with families.

Systems Theory in Action

Author: Shelly Smith-Acuña
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470910224
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 193

Book Description
"Smith-Acuña illuminates the structural hierarchy, roles, and boundaries that give a system structure. The relationship between parts and wholes is both simple and profound, and particularly important in looking at systems structure. These morsels of wisdom are good examples of Smith-Acuña's grace as a systems theory tour guide: one moment she's digging deeper into the nuances among the theories, the next moment she's simplifying without dumbing down, but in a manner that is enormously liberating. We enjoy the fun, full, and informed journey with her." Frank S. Pittman III, MD A practical presentation of systems theory as a fundamental model for clinical practice Valuable for seasoned mental health professionals as well as those in training, Systems Theory in Action presents systems theory the unifying principles surrounding the organization and functioning of systems as it applies to individual, couples, and family therapy. This innovative book explores systems theory as an effective model for general mental health practice. It examines the role systems theory can play, specifically in understanding clients' presenting problems in context, within the various systems and subsystems in which the problems are embedded. Filled with realistic clinical stories illustrating relevant concepts that tie theory to technique, Systems Theory in Action takes an in-depth look at: Systems theory as a solid guide through the dynamic process of psychotherapy The multilayered value of observing human interactions through a systems view Systemic thinking, its core components, and how it serves to reveal a "big picture" view of clients and their presenting problems Systems Theory in Action is a unique contribution to the field, translating the technical terminology of general systems thinking into common, everyday language.

Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice

Author: Teresa McDowell
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319156330
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 84

Book Description
This volume applies critical social theories to family therapy practice, using sociopolitical context for a clearer focus on the power dynamics of couple and family relationships. Its decolonizing approach to therapy is shown countering the pervasive cultural themes that grant privilege to specific groups over others, feeding unequal and oppressive relationships that bring families and couples to treatment. Therapy is shown here as a layered and nuanced process, with practitioners developing an ethical human rights perspective toward their work as they aid clients in negotiating for greater justice and equity in their relationships. The book bridges theory and practice by giving readers these essential tools: Strategies for asking clients about social class. A framework for understanding gender issues within the larger patriarchy. Guidelines for relating concepts of race and class in therapy. Structure for creating the family cartography. Ways to utilize a queer perspective in therapy. Illustrative case examples throughout. Breaking new ground in family therapy, Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice challenges social workers, social work researchers, therapists, and psychologists to push beyond current ideas of social awareness and cultural competence toward truly liberatory client-centered practice. .

Family Therapy

Author: Michael P. Nichols
Publisher: Prentice Hall
ISBN: 9780205827190
Category : Divorce therapy
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Family Therapy: Concepts & Methods describes and analyzes the field of family therapy, covering its history, schools, and developments. Numerous case studies throughout the text help students understand the link between history, theory, and practice.

Finding Your Voice as a Beginning Marriage and Family Therapist

Author: Jessica L. ChenFeng
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351969412
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
Finding Your Voice as a Beginning Marriage and Family Therapist provides support to early career marriage and family therapists who seek authentic and meaningful connections with themselves, their colleagues, and the clients they serve. The book addresses a lack of resources for early career therapists during professional formation, particularly for those who have marginalized aspects of their identity. Readers will move toward celebrating their varied social contextual selves to gain a sense of empowerment, allowing themselves to fully engage in their educational, clinical, and supervisory journey. The authors offer unique insights on the literature of clinical training as well as authentic stories from early career as well as more seasoned MFTs. There are exercises for the reader and practical skills for active engagement in their own development. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter can be used for personal reflection or to frame dialogue with classmates and colleagues. Adaptable for use in the classroom, support groups, and in group/individual supervision settings, Finding Your Voice as a Beginning Marriage and Family Therapist is an essential resource for students and beginner clinicians.

Self-Producing Systems

Author: John Mingers
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780306447976
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 274

Book Description
John Mingers' new volume, Self-Producing Systems: Implications and Ap plications of Autopoiesis, is a much-needed reference on autopoiesis, a subject penetrating many disciplines today. I can genuinely say that I enjoyed reading the book as it took me stage by stage through a clear and easy-to-grasp understanding of the concepts and ideas of auto poiesis and then, as the book's title suggests, on through their applica tions. I found the summary in Chapter 12 particularly useful, helping to crystalize the main points of each chapter. The book conveyed enthusi asm for the subject and stimulated my interest in it. At times the book is demanding, but only because of the breadth of the subject matter, the terms and concepts associated with its parts, and the challenge of keep ing hold of all this in the mind at once. This is an exceptional text. ROBERT L. FLOOD Hull, UK Preface In recent years Maturana's and Varela's concept of autopoiesis, origi nally a biological concept, has made a remarkable impact not just on a single area, but across widely differing disciplines such as sociology, policy science, psychotherapy, cognitive science, and law. Put very briefly, the term autopoiesis connotes the idea that certain types of sys tems exist in a particular manner-they are self-producing systems. In their operations they continuously produce their own constituents, their own components, which then participate in these same production pro cesses.

Theory & Practice in Clinical Social Work

Author: Jerrold R. Brandell
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483305678
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1475

Book Description
This thoroughly updated resource is the only comprehensive anthology addressing frameworks for treatment, therapeutic modalities, and specialized clinical issues, themes, and dilemmas encountered in clinical social work practice. Editor Jerrold R. Brandell and other leading figures in the field present carefully devised methods, models, and techniques for responding to the needs of an increasingly diverse clientele. Key Features Coverage of the most commonly used theoretical frameworks and systems in social work practice Entirely new chapters devoted to clinical responses to terrorism and natural disasters, clinical case management, neurobiological theory, cross-cultural clinical practice, and research on clinical practice Completely revised chapters on psychopharmacology, dynamic approaches to brief and time-limited clinical social work, and clinical practice with gay men Content on the evidentiary base for clinical practice New, detailed clinical illustrations in many chapters offering valuable information about therapeutic process dimensions and the use of specialized methods and clinical techniques Accompanied by Robust Ancillaries. The password-protected Instructor Teaching Site of the companion site includes a test bank, recommended readings, and relevant Internet websites. The open-access Student Study Site offers chapter summaries, keywords, recommended Web sites, and recommended readings. The extensive breadth of coverage makes this book an essential source of information for students in advanced practice courses and practicing social workers alike.

Triangles

Author: Peter Titelman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136862269
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 607

Book Description
Move through emotional triangles toward a natural systems view of the individual in the context of the family and society Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives presents clear applications of Murray Bowen’s concept of the emotional triangle in the family, the organization, and society. This comprehensive book discusses in detail the theory, the theory’s application to the therapist’s own family, clinical applications, organizational applications, and societal applications. This unique resource examines the value of the triangle concept for understanding the emotional process of the family, the organization, and society. Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives provides a theoretical context for understanding the triangle concept and its application, then progresses to exploring and applying the concept of the triangle and interlocking triangles to self, family, and other contexts. This book is devoted to explicating Bowen’s seminal concept of the triangle, and providing a clear description of the process of detriangling in clinical practice. The text includes several case studies and vignettes to illustrate concepts. Topics in Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives include: a historical and conceptual overview the triangle’s function in the effort to increase differentiation of self the presence of triangles in non-human primates Bowen’s differentiation of self effort in his own family and business the functioning of triangles at the time of chronic illness and death emotional triangles involving pets and humans the application of the concept of triangles and interlocking triangles to clinical issues in marriage the presence of triangles in the child-focused family triangles in stepfamilies the triangle’s presence and function in families with substance abusing teens triangles involving extramarital relationships triangles in organizations and businesses the triangle’s function in the context in societal emotional process and much more! Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives is a stimulating, enlightening resource for family therapists, social workers, psychologists, pastoral counselors, and counselors.