Systems Theory in Action: Applications to Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy

191 Pages·2010·1.27 MB·English

by  Shelly Smith-Acuña

“Smith-Acuña illuminates the structural hierarchy, roles, and boundaries that give a S
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system structure. The relationship between parts and wholes is both simple and pro- I
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found, and particularly important in looking at systems structure. These morsels of
-
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wisdom are good examples of Smith-Acuña’s grace as a systems theory tour guide: one C
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moment she’s digging deeper into the nuances among the theories, the next moment Ñ
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she’s simplifying without dumbing down, but in a manner that is enormously liberat-
ing. We enjoy the fun, full, and informed journey with her.” —Frank S. Pittman III, MD
A PRACTICAL PRESENTATION OF SYSTEMS THEORY AS
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A FUNDAMENTAL MODEL FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
Y
Valuable for seasoned mental health professionals as well as those in training, Systems S
Theory in Action presents systems theory—the unifying principles surrounding the T
organization and functioning of systems—as it applies to individual, couples, and family E
therapy. M
This innovative book explores systems theory as an effective model for general mental
S
health practice. It examines the role systems theory can play, specifi cally in understanding

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clients’ presenting problems in context, within the various systems and subsystems in
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which the problems are embedded.
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Filled with realistic clinical stories illustrating relevant concepts that tie theory to S Y S T E M S
O
technique, Systems Theory in Action takes an in-depth look at:
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(cid:129) Systems theory as a solid guide through the dynamic process of psychotherapy
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(cid:129) The multilayered value of observing human interactions through a systems view

T H E O R Y
I
N
(cid:129) Systemic thinking, its core components, and how it serves to reveal a
“big picture” view of clients and their presenting problems
A
Systems Theory in Action is a unique contribution to the fi eld, translating the technical
C
terminology of general systems thinking into common, everyday language.
T I N A C T I O N
I
O
SHELLY SMITH-ACUÑA, PHD, is the Director of the Doctoral Program in the
Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver. She teaches N
systems theory, family therapy, and couples therapy. In addition, she maintains a successful
A P P L I CAT I O N S TO I N D I V I D UA L ,
private practice.
CO U P L E S , AND FA M I LY T H E R A PY
S H E L LY S M I T H - A C U Ñ A
ISBN: 978-0-470-47582-9 4-COLOR GLOSSY
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E1FFIRS_1 09/06/2010 1
Systems Theory
in Action
Applications to Individual,
Couples, and Family Therapy
E1FFIRS_1 09/06/2010 2
E1FFIRS_1 09/06/2010 3
Systems Theory
in Action
Applications to Individual,
Couples, and Family Therapy
Shelly Smith-Acun~a
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
E1FFIRS_1 09/06/2010 4
(cid:1)1
Thisbookisprintedonacid-freepaper.
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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData:
Smith-Acun~a,Shelly.
Systemstheoryinaction:applicationstoindividual,couples,andfamilytherapy/Shelly
Smith-Acun~a.
p.;cm.
Includesbibliographicalreferencesandindex.
ISBN978-0-470-47582-9(pbk.:alk.paper);978-0-470-91020-7(ePDF);978-0-470-91021-4
(eMobi);978-0-470-91022-1(ePub)
1. Psychotherapy. 2. Familypsychotherapy. 3. Systemtheory. I. Title.
[DNLM:1.Psychotherapy—methods.2.SystemsTheory.WM420S664s2011]
RC437.5.S652011
0
616.8914—dc22 2010018072
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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To my dad, Warren Smith, for teaching me patience,
perseverance, and dedication
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Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Preface xi
1 IntroductiontoSystemsThinking 1
2 Context 13
3 Causality 33
4 Communication 49
5 Change 67
6 Structure 85
7 HistoryandDevelopment 103
8 SocialandCulturalNarratives 117
9 ApplicationstoTheory,Research,andOrganizations 131
References 147
Author Index 153
Subject Index 157
vii
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