Milan Systemic Family Therapy Concepts and Techniques

Milan Systemic Model

A therapeutic approach that views the family as a dynamic system and focuses on the interactions and beliefs within that system.

Circularity

The concept that family interactions influence each other in a continuous cycle rather than being linear.

Invariant Prescription

A technique where the therapist prescribes a specific behavior to the family to disrupt dysfunctional patterns.

Positive Connotation

A method of reframing a family's negative behavior in a positive light to promote change.

Double Bind

A situation where a family member receives conflicting messages, leading to confusion and dysfunction.

Neutrality

The therapist maintains an unbiased stance, allowing all family members to express their views without judgment.

Hypothesis

Central to the Milan approach, hypotheses guide the therapeutic process by framing the family's issues within a systemic context.

Homeostasis

The tendency of a family to maintain stability and resist change in dynamics.

Therapeutic Techniques

Specific strategies used by therapists to facilitate change in family dynamics.

Key Theorists: Selvini-Palazzoli

One of the founders of the Milan Systemic Model, known for her work on family therapy and systemic thinking.

Key Theorists: Prata

Contributed to the development of the Milan approach, focusing on family dynamics and communication.

Key Theorists: Boscolo

A key figure in the Milan Systemic Model, emphasizing the importance of family beliefs in therapy.

Key Theorists: Cecchin

Worked alongside Boscolo and Selvini-Palazzoli, contributing to the understanding of family systems.

Stages of Therapy

Includes pre-session, session interview, intervention techniques, discussion, conclusion, and post-session.

Therapist Dynamics

The use of male-female co-therapists promotes balance and diverse perspectives in therapy.

Initial Assessment Process

Data collected prior to the first meeting informs the initial hypothesis about family dynamics.

Mechanisms of Change

The goal of therapy is to help families develop a new epistemology that aligns with their current behaviors and challenges.

Feedback Loops

Patterns of interaction in which family members' behaviors influence each other in a cyclical manner.

Rituals

Structured activities employed to help families enact new behaviors or perspectives.

Paradoxical Prescriptions

Interventions suggested by the therapist that may seem counterintuitive to provoke change.

What is the view of the family in the Milan Systemic Model?

The family is viewed as a system that is constantly evolving.

What concept in the Milan Systemic Model refers to the idea that problems are maintained by behavioral sequences?

Theory of Dysfunction.

What is the role of the therapist's stance in the Milan Systemic Model?

The therapist maintains a neutral position and focuses on generating hypotheses about family behavior.

How does the Milan Systemic Model suggest therapists should gather data for diagnosis?

Data is gathered before the meeting and becomes the basis for formulating an initial hypothesis.

What is the frequency of therapy sessions in the Milan Systemic Model?

Sessions are spaced 1 month apart.

What is the primary focus of the Milan Systemic Model's therapeutic interventions?

To connect family members' behaviors through explicit or implicit systemic hypotheses.

What is the outcome of the discussion phase in the Milan Systemic Model therapy?

The therapist presents a prescription or comments based on the session.

What is the importance of maintaining neutrality in therapy according to the Milan Systemic Model?

It allows the therapist to facilitate change without bias or influence.

What is the role of co-therapists in the Milan Systemic Model?

They provide a balanced perspective and enhance the therapeutic process.

How does the Milan Systemic Model view the relationship between a family's beliefs and behaviors?

Problems exist when the family's old epistemology (belief) does not fit its current pattern of behavior.

What is the aim of the 'Session Interview' stage in the Milan Systemic Model?

To explore family dynamics and behaviors through structured dialogue