Theory: Milan Systemic Family Counseling

Question 1

Milan Systemic Family Counseling

Answer 1

A model of family counseling, developed by the Milan group in Italy, that focuses on exploring family members’ perceptions of each other and their interactional patterns, as well as asking questions to increase their awareness of unhealthy family behaviors. Sometimes referred to as long brief therapy, because counselors only meet with families once per month.

Question 2

positive connotations

Answer 2

Similar to reframing; counselors attach positive motives to a family member’s problematic behavior

Question 3

counterparadox

Answer 3

Counselors’ technique of asking family members not to change too quickly in order to assist the family in avoiding resistance.

Question 4

Four Milan techniques:

Answer 4

• circular questioning
• hypothesizing
• neutrality
• ritual prescriptions

Question 5

circular questioning

Answer 5

A Milan family therapy technique that uses questions to highlight family connections and differences among family members.

Question 6

hypothesizing

Answer 6

In Milan family therapy, counselors formulate hypotheses to help family members change and gain more insight into their behavior; these hypotheses are not supposed to be accepted as absolute truths.

Question 7

neutrality

Answer 7

In Milan family counseling, the objective position that counselors adhere to when working with families

Question 8

ritual prescriptions

Answer 8

Paradoxical assignments that indicate certain actions to be taken on specific days and times by particular family members. The goal of rituals is to help families try new ways of behaving and interacting