The Evolution Of Circular Questions: Training Family Therapists

Abstract

This article describes a procedure for training family therapists in the clinical application of circular questioning as developed and implemented at the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic at the University of Iowa. A pragmatic taxonomy of circular questions is presented; instructional handouts designed to facilitate the use of these questions within the trainee's initial interviews are included.

Family assessment in K‐12 settings: Understanding family systems to provide effective, collaborative services

“…To gather these diverse views, the school mental health professional could use circular questioning (Cecchin, 1987;Fleuridas, Nelson, & Rosenthal, 1986;Mauksch & Roesler, 1990;Penn, 1982;Selvini Palazzoli, Boscolo, Cecchin, & Prata, 1980) rather than direct individual questioning to see the variation in family members' responses. Circular questions highlight differences in family members' thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors.…”

Art psychotherapy practice with adults who suffer from depression in the UK: Qualitative findings from a depression-specific questionnaire

“…Examples included verbal interventions originating from systemic therapy (circular questions -Fleuridas, Nelson & Rosenthal, 1986) and narrative therapy (externalising conversation - Stacey & Hills, 2001). Mention of a specific technique of genogram, M a n u s c r i p t associated with solution-based (Kuehl, 1996) and family therapies (Jolly, Froom & Rosen, 1980), indicated perceived appropriateness of incorporating tools supporting exploration of the issue of time during therapy.…”

Searching for self: A theoretical model for applying family systems to adolescent group work

“…In addition, participants describe what they have learned about themselves, their place in their family system, and how the group is like a family. Fleuridas, Nelson, and Rosenthal(1986) described such questions as circular in nature and, therefore, useful in gathering information needed to enable a family to view itself systemically. These circular questions are an effective means for conducting a systemic investigation of the changes and differences in family or small-group relationships that support dysfunctional relationships or interactions; developing an awareness of this interrelatedness may, in and of itself, promote significant spontaneous change (Fleuridas et al, 1986).…”