Towards a balanced whole: the well-functioning family

Counters a preoccupation with the dysfunctional family with a description of healthy family functioning through a balancing process between polar opposites. Constructs a Core Dimensions of Family Functioning assessment diagram, integrating the various perspectives of essential family therapies and culminating in the dimension of a spiritual presence in the family. Emphasizes the competence of families and couples to balance competing demands through a case presentation of a critical family life cycle transition.