Psychodynamic Influences on Contemporary Family Therapy.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-26-2025

Institution/Department

Psychiatry

Journal Title

Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America

MeSH Headings

Humans, Family Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic, Object Attachment, Psychoanalytic Theory, Child

Abstract

Family therapy endeavors to return patients to optimal health and functioning by working within the context of their family systems. Family therapy has deep roots in psychoanalytic theory and practice, notably drawing on ideas from attachment theory, object-relations theory, self-psychology, and mentalization. In family therapy, the therapist instead holds a hopeful stance that the family system is capable of change and positions itself as an appreciative ally, recognizing that changes in emotional reactivity or behavior in family members lead to systemic shifts in patterns and behaviors within the family system.

ISSN

1558-0490

First Page

435

Last Page

443

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