Family therapy and the glamour of science

Abstract

It is argued that family therapy has adopted esoteric and unrelated theories from ‘New Science’ in order to maintain its glamour and individuality in comparison with other therapies. One unfortunate consequence of this is to limit the development of the practice of family therapy by prejudicing empirical validation. An alternative approach which attempts to integrate linear and systemic viewpoints is suggested.

The Tyranny of Therapeutic Dialogue

“…For example, dialogue is often reduced to questions and answers, whether this be a linear (Dell 1986) or circular (Selvini-Palazzoli et al 1980) process, or both (Goldberg & David 1991), and as such the clients voice is often muf¯ed, organized and sanitized. Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 08:29 10 June 2016…”

Naivety and Family Therapy An Interview with John Carpenter

“…We continue to receive papers critical of family therapy. One of the most noticeable this year was by Goldberg and David (1991), two psychiatrists, who have a go at the use of "new" science in family therapy. Why is it that family therapists are attracted to these esoteric ideas?…”

The Misuse and Use of Science in Family Therapy

“…Beels and M. Newmark (1991). As we were preparing it, we found some similar points had been made by C.D.S. Goldberg and A.S. David (1991).…”