Alter und Krankheit im Kontext Familie: Familienmedizin konkret

Abstract

The following article describes a systemic counselling process in primary medical care. It lasted over eight years with 17 sessions. At the beginning of the process the author was working as a GP in advanced training in systemic and family therapy, and since 2008 as a systemic therapist in her own practice.The counselling process focuses on an aged mother and her adult daughter, Mrs. Mittler (mother) and Mrs. Bode (daughter) (names changed), both having been patients for many years of the previously mentioned general practice. Mrs. Mittlers developmental task was to accept her frailty and need for care thus consequently her requirements for help, without however losing her self esteem as a parent. Mrs. Bode had to face the challenge of developing filial maturity by taking on responsibility for her mother accompanied by ongoing respect for her and for what she had achieved in her life.