A concise, readable introduction to systems theory (and especially second-order cybernetics) with practical applications to family therapy. This book provides an overview of the basic concepts of a systems theoretical perspective using families and family therapy as examples and illustrations of their application in professional practice. This meta-perspective focuses on viewing problems in context. The difference between first-order and second-order cybernetics is explicated. Readers then are invited to see themselves as parts of the systems with which they are working consistent with a second-order cybernetics perspective. Along the way a difference between modernism and post-modernism as well as constructionism and social constructionism also are described. In addition, theories of individual and family development are presented with implications for their use in family therapy. The book concludes with more than 100 examples of how the meta-perspective of systems theory can be used in work with families. In addition to providing concise descriptions of essential systems concepts, the book explains the process of change that occurs with family systems, especially those that the family finds difficult to adapt to. The text is replete with ideas for therapists to identify those changes and work with the family through their identified challenges according to the family's narrative.
Raphael J. Becvar, retired endowed chair in marital and family therapy, was a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and an approved supervisor with many years of experience in both academic and private practice contexts. He has authored and co-authored many books and articles in professional journals. His particular focus is on philosophical/metaperspectives on mental health and the practice of therapy and a widely recognized teacher of systems theory and family therapy. Dorothy Stroh Becvar, Professor Emerita in the School of Social Work at St. Louis University, was a licensed marital and family therapist, and a licensed clinical social worker. She published extensively and presented workshops and taught courses, both nationally and internationally, on a wide variety of topics. She was also president/CEO of the Haelan Centers(R), a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting growth and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Dorothy died on August 31, 2021. Lynne Reif, licensed professional counselor, began her career working with at-risk youth in the foster care system. In 2000 she became a middle school counselor and continues in that role today. Lynne has extensive background in working with children and families and was a part of the Leadership Team that created and ran the Empowering Young Women conferences hosted by the University of Missouri St. Louis for 20 years. In 2012, she traveled to Uganda to co-teach a first of its kind course in school counseling to educators there, and to work with girls in the schools. This experience significantly expanded her cultural awareness and understanding of the significance of context in the lives of children.
Acknowledgments Foreword Sally St. George and Dan Wulff Preface Raphael J. Becvar Introduction Chapter 1: About Theories Chapter 2: Systems Theory/Cybernetics: A Paradigm Shift Modernism Postmodernism Constructivism Social Constructionism First-Order and Second-Order Cybernetics Chapter 3: First-Order Cybernetics: Definitions of Concepts Boundaries Communication/Information Processing Context Entropy and Negative Entropy Equifinality Homeostasis, Morphostasis, and Morphogenesis Open and Closed Systems Positive and Negative Feedback Recursion Relationship Wholeness Summary and Conclusion Chapter 4: Second-Order Cybernetics: Definition of Concepts Autopoiesis Consensual Domains Epistemology of Participation Feedback Non-Purposeful Drift Openness and Closedness Reality as a Multiverse Structural Coupling Structural Determinism Wholeness and Self-Reference Summary and Conclusion Chapter 5: Family Interpretive Systems/Stories Chapter 6: Family Development Through the Life Cycle Chapter 7: The Family as System Chapter 8: A Critique and Defense of the Systems Perspective Chapter 9: Patterns to Ponder Chapter 10: Implications for Family Therapy Stability and Change General Principles Engaging the Family, Assessment, and Therapeutic Goals Pragmatics Final Thoughts Chapter 11: In Conclusion References Index About the Authors
