Family Psychotherapy

Abstract

To set the stage for this chapter, background information is presented on family systems theory. This is followed by a section on the characteristics of individual families, which emphasizes family development; family structures/types; family normalcy/health and dysfunction; and meaning, beliefs, and rituals. Attention is then turned to a discussion of the major theoretical models that serve as the basis for family therapy as it is practiced today. The family therapy models that are examined include: psychodynamically oriented, experiential/humanistic, communication, strategic, structural, behavioral and cognitive‐behavioral, transgenerational, psychoeducational, and systemic/Milan. This is followed by a brief review of more current and evolving approaches such as solution‐focused, solution‐oriented, reflecting team, externalization and reauthoring lives and relationships, therapeutic conversations, and integrative. Information is also presented on culturally competent family therapy and gender‐sensitive approaches to family therapy. Specific applications of family therapy are delineated related to medical problems, substance abuse, and family violence. After a presentation of the major empirical findings related to the efficacy and effectiveness of family intervention approaches, future directions for practice and research within the field of family therapy are provided.

Effects of Therapeutic and Toxic Agents on Erythrocytes of Different Species of Animals

“…Hence erythrocytes of bird are flattened, lenticular, spherical, and folded when deformed [99]. Hemoglobin concentration of nonmammalian erythrocytes is 15-20% higher than that of mammalian species, with increased RBC density, and the nucleus contains 20% of cytoplasmic volume [100,101] with RBC rigidity [102]. However, RBCs of reptiles are least decreased than that of mammal, the membrane having shear elastic modulus [103].…”