1)In the chapter readings from the Family Therapy text for this unit, you reviewed the individual psychologies (page 5) that share common assumptions of an individualistic worldview (pages 3–7) as well as the assumptions common to a systemic or cybernetic worldview (pages 7–11).
Systems ideas, such as the importance of context, circular causality, and interactional cycles, challenge traditional ideas regarding how presenting problems are perceived. In this discussion, compare and contrast the issue of presenting problems from an individualistic perspective and from a systems or cybernetics perspective.
Be sure to also include:
Examples to show the differences between the individualistic and systemic approaches to presenting problems. Examine how a single clinical issue or scenario might be understood differently by these perspectives.
Definitions of context, circular causality, and interactional cycles.
Include a reflection on the pear activity from the media piece, Individualistic Versus Systemic Perspectives, sharing the ways in which your descriptions of the yellow single pear shifted between the two contexts when presented on a tree. Elaborate on how this experience intersects with the shift from individualistic assumptions to systemic assumptions covered in the readings.2)The field of marriage and family therapy is promoted and regulated by several professional associations. Each of these associations plays a role in the ongoing development of our field.
Visit the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors and American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy websites. Summarize the mission of each association. Report on at least two areas where each organization is currently taking a leadership role and or creating initiatives to promote the profession of marriage and family therapy.
