The history of family therapy begins around 1960 when Gregory Bateson coined the term, “system thinking.” This type of therapy was a daring departure, both technically and philosophically, from traditional and individual treatment during the 1960s. Gregory Bateson was inspired.

    Gregory Bateson felt the unit known, as “the family” needed to be celebrated and celebrate he did.



    An even longer history of celebrating the family goes back to the founding of social work by Mary Richmond, of pragmatism by Mr. W. James, and of the organic expression of social systems intervention by Mr. J. Dewey. Each of these therapists considered family therapy to be, among other things, a “consequence of the development of persistent elements of American professional culture, experience, and philosophy.”

    The above noted took a view that family therapy is a historical-anthropological view that discloses the origins of two other histories. These have made a distinct contribution to the development of family therapy as we know of it today.

    Family therapy then is a science of observing communication processes that starts with Mr. Edward Sapir and this leads to contemporary conversation analysis as we now know it. Family therapy is also a history of mesmerism in the United States and this culminates with Mr. Milton Erickson and his followers.

    FAMILY THERAPY has evolved greatly. Teachers and developers of family therapy today do so with practice and discipline, both.

    For the family, therapy can save occupants as if from a drowning ship. Both parents and children can present with unique and opposing issues. It is the role of the family therapist to deal with each different need, while bringing cohesion and unity to all that participate.

    Families can spend years in therapy. Depending on the issues, those who appreciate such therapy often leave feeling much better. Just the act of talking and listening brings just rewards.

    Each member of the family learns to appreciate each other’s needs and differences and then in so doing, members begin to understand how each of their issues profoundly affect the outcome of the others.

    Families leave family therapy with a course of action to be taken that leads them back into the home unit. After a time of reaching individual goals, the family unit is better able to function and appreciate each other. This is a win-win situation.