Use of systemic family therapy with adolescent suicide: patterns of belonging

Abstract

This study investigated the application of six techniques from systemic family therapy.

A review of the history of family therapy identified the major contributions from general psychiatry, communications theory and cybernetics which had combined to form the therapies known collectively as systemic family therapy. The theory was outlined and examined and the major assumptions which are the basis for specific techniques of therapy within this model were identified. Six of these techniques were examined and demonstrated in therapy. The outcome of each technique was assessed.

A family was seen from initial contact to termination, using a two member team approach (Viaro and Leonardi, 1983) in which one therapist observed the other through a one way video arrangement. The presenting problem was a suicide attempt by an adolescent, culminating in admission to hospital.

Therapy using the model was concluded in four sessions. Follow-up at six months disclosed no further admissions to hospital and a report from the family that they were satisfied with the outcome of therapy.

Distinctions between first and second order cybernetic therapy were made and the therapists were found to adhere to a first order model. Successful and unsuccessful use of the techniques is identified and discussed. Using as a measure the absence of further suicide attempts and the family's self reported reduction in the number of arguments between the parents and the identified patient, it was concluded that the use of the nominated techniques from systemic family therapy had enabled successful intervention.

Date of Award	1988
Original language	English
Supervisor	Alan Roberts (Supervisor)