Relational Family Therapy

Relational Family Therapy introduces a cutting-edge family and couple therapy model that synthesizes relational theories and integrates object relations theory with interpersonal psychoanalysis and self-psychology. The model holds that individuals deal with conflicts rooted in the frustrated and threatening environment they grew up in by later forming intimate relationships that are comparable to the core experiences from their primary family systems. The book outlines the three levels of experience-systemic, interpersonal, and intrapsychic-and provide concrete ways for the therapist to address client problems and promote affect regulation. Chapters include transcripts of actual family therapy sessions as well as genograms so readers can see the model in action.

Christian Gostecnik, OFM, PhD, is a professor in the Family Studies and Marriage and Family Therapy programs at the University of Ljubljana. He is also a Franciscan priest, clinical psychologist, and practicing marriage and family therapist.

Introduction 1. Fundamentals of Relational Family Therapy 1.1 The Systemic Level 1.2 The Interpersonal Level 1.3 The Intrapsychic Level 1.4 The Fundamental Premises of Relational Family Therapy 2. Relational Dynamics in Systems Theory 2.1 Systemic Wholeness 2.2 Subsystems-Hierarchy-Boundaries 2.3 Systemic Mutual or Circular Causality 2.4 Rules and Roles Within the System 2.5 The Deviation Level of a Family System 2.6 The Cybernetic Model 2.7 Systemic Needs 3. Relational Family Therapy and Clinical Practice 3.1 Projective and Introjective Identification 3.2 Repetition Compulsion 4. Relational Family Therapy and the Marital Relationship 4.1 Relational Marital Therapy 4.2 The Fundamental Concepts of Relational Marital Therapy 4.3 Ten Premises Used by Relational Martial Therapists 5. Systemic Dynamics in Relational Theories 5.1 Stern's Research 5.2 Basic Relational Mechanisms 5.3 Object Relations Theory-The Relationship of Intentionality 5.4 Self-psychology-The Relationship Implication 5.5 Interpersonal Psychoanalysis-The Relationship Concept Conclusion References Index