Some dynamic and transactional aspects of family theraphy with psychotic patients

The application of family therapy to families with psychotic patients involves both technical and theoretic observations and underpinnings. The implications of these for the understanding of certain family dynamics and the use of family therapy in general are investigated. The rhythm of real participation and observation on the therapist's part and the utilization of co-therapists is contrasted with a more authoritarian, 'director' model of intervention. Tendencies in these families towards frozenness and immobility, as well as splitting and chaos, must be counteracted, and are reflected in interactions and transactions between co-therapists. The importance of unravelling these patterns and aiding therapists in the framework of a specially designed, ongoing supervisory seminary is stressed.