Systems-Oriented, Small Group, Family-of-Origin Family Therapy: A Comparison with Traditional Group Psychotherapy

Authors

  • Donald S. Williamson Author
  • Paul E. Malone Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12926/fkyfjk64

Keywords:

Group Psychotherapy, Family-of-Origin Family Therapy

Abstract

This paper extends the explanation of a method of family therapy intended for resolution of family-of-origin issues, developed by the
senior author (Williamson, 1981, 1982a, 1982b) in order to focus on the very small group process utilized. A recent conceptualization of intergenerational family issues, believed to occur in the fourth decade of the adult life-cycle, is summarized. Secondly, the small group methodology developed for working with these issues is described. Finally, this group method is compared, in terms both of similarities and important contrasts, with traditional group psychotherapy methods. It is concluded that the small group method described is the most effective way yet devised to practice family-of-origin family therapy.

References

Boszormenyi-Nagy, I., & Ulrich, D. Contextual family therapy. In A. Gurman & D. Kniskern (Eds.), Handbook of family therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1981.

Bowen, M. Family therapy in clinical practice. New York: Aronson, 1978.

Durkin, J. E. (Ed.) Living groups: Group psychotherapy and general systems theory. New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1981.

Haley, J. Leaving home: Therapy with disturbed young people. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1980.

Kaplan, H. I.,·& Sadock, B. J. (Eds.) Comprehensive group psychotherapy. Baltimore: The Williams & Wilkins Company, 1971.

Williamson, D. S. New life at the graveyard. Journal of Marriage and Family Counseling, 1978, 4, 93-101.

Williamson, D. S. Personal authority via termination of the intergenerational hierarchical boundary: A "new" stage in the family life-cycle. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1981, 7, 441-452.

Williamson, D. S. Personal authority via termination of the intergenerational hierarchical boundary: Part II=the consultation process and the therapeutic method. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1982a, 8, 23-37.

Williamson, D. S. Personal authority in family experience via termination of the intergenerational hierarchical boundary: Part Ill--personal authority defined and the power of play in the change-process. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1982b, 8, 309-323.

Yalom, I. D. The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (2nd ed.). New York: Basic Books, 1979.

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Published

2025-01-18

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 4 (1983): Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama, and Sociometry

Section

Articles

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