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A system is a set of related elements that interact dynamically with each other and the environment, and have identifiable properties. The key elements of a family system are its members + beliefs + roles + rules + assets + limi-tations + goals + boundaries + subsystems (e.g. siblings) + environment - a larger system of systems, or metasystem. Understanding these elements and how they interact can help co-parents and professionals assess how well any family is "functioning" (nurturing) and what can improve that. Public and professional experience since the 1950s suggests that ther-apy based on family-systems principles is more likely to produce desired lasting change than working with individuals. This is because personal and relationship "problems" (unmet needs) are often promoted by the multi-gener-ational environment (system). An old idea that is slowly gaining current acceptance is that typical indiv-idual personalities are inner-family systems of semi-independent subselves or "parts." Growing evidence suggests that using family-system therapy prin-ciples with inner families is often effective at reducing a wide range of per-sonal and some physical problems. This Web site is based on this inner-family system concept, based on more than a decade of training and exper-ience with "parts work" with individuals and families. A basic premise here is that when one or more adults' inner families are out of harmony, their rela-tionships and outer families have "major problems." Project 1 here offers an effective way to intentionally increase inner-family system harmony, serenity, and achieving personal potentials. slides / more detail / Project-1 index and guidebook / close |
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