Carl Whitaker and Family Therapy

Paper Summary:

In the first segment of this paper the techniques and theoretical perceptions used in symbolic/experiential family therapy are outlined. The paper mentions that Virginia Satir and Walter Kemplar are also seen as having had equal, initial importance in the birth of experiential family therapy. However, the paper concentrates mainly on the work of Carl Whitaker and his colleagues, whose style of therapy differs greatly from that of Satir and Kemplar. The second section of this paper paints a picture of how these sessions of symbolic, experiential therapy might appear in order to give the reader a deeper understanding of the applicability of Whitaker's somewhat unconventional methods.

Paper Outline
Introduction
Carl Whitaker
Basic Model
Theoretical Concepts
Strengths
Shortcomings
Fit With Systems Theory
Current Research
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Anxiety and confusion are increased through use of metaphors, teasing, humor, free association, fantasy, confrontation or silence. The underlying premise being that the way to promote individual growth and family cohesion is to liberate effects and impulses. This is often referred to as "expanding the symptom" and is done to refocus the family members on the problem as within the family, as opposed to one person having the problem. (Connell, et al.; 1999, pp.53)"

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