The macrosystemic model of psychotherapy: Autonomy and attachment in family systems

Journal/Book: J Psychother Integr. 1997; 7: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013. Plenum Publ Corp. 55-74.

Abstract: As a field that identifies itself with personalities as much as it does with theories of personality, psychology is open to criticism from skeptics who find the multitude of approaches to mental health confounding. In an attempt to offer a more integrated vision of psychotherapy, the macrosystemic model introduces an overarching theoretical framework that unites the systems thinking of Gregory Bateson, and the cell theory of Humberto Maturana, within Ken Wilber's structural hierarchy. The major theme of wholeness within contexts is explored in depth and is shown to be structurally similar to emerging themes in modem science. Similar to other nested and multilevel approaches, the macrosystemic model explores the part-to-whole relationship but concludes that the individual, not the family, is the key component in the system. The macrosystemic model of psychotherapy suggests that it takes an autonomous action to change a system and offers two approaches to therapy that are consistent with this premise. The first approach deals with the paradox of autonomy and attachment, and is advanced by the second approach, which emphasizes the establishment of a personal belief system to promote autonomy. Thus, direct change through conscious intention on a personal level is the primary focus of the macrosystemic model of psychotherapy.

Note: Article Laveman L, 364 Glencrest Dr, Solana Beach,CA 92075 USA

Keyword(s): wholeness; autonomy; connection; epistemology; systems theory

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