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Treatment of Family Systems

Passivity, Paradox, and Change in Family Systems

Pages 33-41
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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Problem families which respond to treatment with passivity are considered as resisting change in the family system. When direct methods of therapy have proven to be unsuccessful, strategic paradoxical interventions may break the symbiosis in the family and permit change and growth. The compatibility and utility of such TA concepts and approaches as script, counterscript messages, injunctions permission, and stroking are considered and illustrated. Three case studies illustrating understanding strategic therapy from a TA perspective are included.

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Author information

Robert Massey

Robert F. Massey, PhD., Clinical Member, ITAA, is associate professor of psychology, Saint Peter's College, Jersey City, N.J. and is a psychologist, family and community services, Fords, N.J.