Milan Systematic Model

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The Milan Systemic Model Erin Johnson Dr. Hebbard November 12, 2012 History and Major Figures 1) In the late 1960’s, Mara Selvini-Palazzoli formed a team from Milan, Italy, which first presented this systemic model. This team consisted of: a) Luigi Boscolo b) Gianfranco Cecchin c) Guiliana Prata 2) Milan Group was originally modeled after Gregory Bateson’s concepts about circular epistemology. 3) In 1971, the team formed the Milan Center for the Study of the family moving towards working more with family systems than the work they were coming from with severely disturbed children or anorexia nervosa children. 4) After publishing their first article and their first book, the Milan group separated into two groups pursuing different practices within similar systemic outlooks. a) Mara Selvini-Palazzoli and Guiliana Prata b) Luigi Boscolo and Gianfranco Cecchin i. Post-Milan collaborative intervention therapy 1) Karl Tomm (1987) a) Added “strategizing” to Milan techniques b) Reflexive questions Major Concepts of Milan Systemic Model 1) The Classic Milan Model a) Paradoxes and counterparadoxes i. Prescribing no change ii. Double binds to help clients realize they are in control of their symptom, dysfunction, or behavior b) Positive connotations i. Reframing problematic behavior within the family to appear as a positive intentions to promote family balance. ii. Shows family that the problematic symptom or behavior is voluntary. c) Rituals i. Symbolic actions prescribed by the therapist to help clients see their informal family rules. ii. Points out the differences and importance of consistency in the separate individual roles or functions within the family. d) Five segments in the interview format: i. Pre-session ii. Session iii. Intersession iv.
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