The therapist's responsibility: a systemic approach to mobilizing family creativity

Abstract

Three techniques, sculpting, geneograms, and family drawing are considered within a systemic approach to therapy. Frequently, emphasis is laid on either the activity of the therapist or the behaviour of the family in treatment. We focus on ways in which the therapist draws on the clients' creativity, relying for this on a correct assessment of their ‘language’ or ‘idiom’. Certain assumptions are proposed, and case illustrations are used in their support. Our approach is that any material, or apparently no material, produced when using these techniques represents essential information which can be turned to therapeutic advantage by means of positive reframing. Although a framework within which to practise is viewed as essential, a ‘game‐plan’ will almost certainly result in sterility and impasses in therapy. Therapist flexibility, it is proposed, is a prerequisite for creativity. We prefer to label resistance to treatment as failure by the therapist to recognize the clients' needs.

Orthodoxy in family therapy practice as servant or tyrant

“…This is of a different level of belief to one which prescribes total adherence to one or another therapeutic 'school'. The greatest danger lies in a 'game plan' approach which stifles creativity, and provides a false sense of security (Jenkins and Donnelly, 1983). The more experienced practitioner effectively draws on a distillation of considerable experience.…”

Redressing the balance—involving children in family therapy

“…people think either by generating visual images, or by talking to themselves and hearing sounds, or by having feelings. If their thesis is correct (and Jenkins and Donnelly, 1983 suggest that 'impasses in therapy may result from * It is difficult to communicate visually using words but we hope the reader will bear with us and will be able to make use of his visual faculties.…”

“…Jenkins and Donnelly (1983) have recently discussed the usefulness of drawing in family therapy. We frequently ask children to draw, not merely as a way of occupying them, but in order that they can more readily communicate their views of the subject under discussion.…”

“…They are merely techniques and means to the end of achieving change in the family, not ends in themselves. Following Jenkins and Donnelly's (1983) classification, the development of visual aids is a therapist oriented activity* which draws directly on the therapist's own creativity and resources and her interplay with the family. Among the visual techniques we have found useful are mobiles, balloons, balancing scales, family figures modelled out of Fimo,?…”

Family therapy without the family: a framework for systemic practice

“…We also use family drawings with individuals (Jenkins and Donnelly, 1983); and with younger patients, many of the approaches described by O'Brien and Loudon (1985) are particularly helpful. Burns (1990) has described his work using family-centred circle drawings.…”