Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Family Therapy. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 8 page paper begins with an explanation of cybernetics, first order and second order cybernetics, leading into a discussion of constructivism, social constructivism and postmodernism and family therapy. Three specific therapeutic approaches are discussed in terms of family therapy: solution-focused, structural, and person-centered. Different aspects are discussed, including the therapist's role, the focus of the therapy, the goals, the types of environments the therapist would establish and general comments. Bibliography lists 12 sources.
Page Count:
8 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGfamth.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
the 1940s, second order cybernetics emerged in the 1970s (Geyer, 2000). The primary theoretical difference between the two has to do with the action of observed versus observing (Geyer, 2000).
Heinz von Foerster defined the two in this way: "first-order cybernetics as the cybernetics of observed systems, and second-order cybernetics as the cybernetics of observing systems" (Geyer, 2000). In terms
of cybernetics, Foerster also elaborated on the theory of constructivism saying "the nervous system cannot absolutely distinguish between a perception and a hallucination, since both are merely patterns of neural
excitation" (Heylighen, 1997). Although first order cybernetics is a mechanistic and technological engineering approach, it was also found useful in various other problem-solving settings, such as psychology and therapy
(Geyer, 2000). First order is a linear approach that stresses boundaries, sub- and supra-systems, circular causality, which involves positive and negative feedback but focused on negative feedback, simulation, such as
simulating complex problems, and wholism (Geyer, 2000). Second order cybernetics emerged from in the social science and biology fields as investigators moved to include themselves in the equation of observation
(Geyer, 2000). The concepts of second order cybernetics include self-reference within the circular causality, self-steering, which leads group leaders, such as therapists to the position of trying to improve the
clients ability to change and control themselves, self-organization also lined to circular causality, auto-catalysis and cross-catalysis, which has to do with the impact of reactions, and self-production, which has to
do with the interrelationships within systems (Geyer, 2000). Based on this description, it could be concluded that many therapeutic approaches are second-order cybernetics in that they include the therapist as
an integral part of the group. Solution-focused, for instance, places the therapist as a director within the family structure; person-centered therapists become part of the family through acceptance. Structuralists, however,
...