Mental Research Institute Research Articles

The Evolution of Family Process: Contexts and Transformations1,2

The Evolution of Family Process: Contexts and Transformations1,2

Family Process 1962–1969

This is a personal recollection of the first 8 years of Family Process, the volumes published under the first Editor, Jay Haley, and strongly influenced by the Mental Research Institute at Palo Alto, of which Haley was a member. The later influence of the group's "double bind" hypothesis of schizophrenia is explored. Some ideas about the influence of theory on practice are suggested. Several examples of experiments in the social setting of family work are picked out of these volumes because of their influence on later programs. Finally, the essay offers a retrospective appreciation of the influence of Gregory Bateson on the mood of "revolution" forecast in the opening years of Family Process.

The Use of Behavior Prescriptions in Psychotherapy

The Use of Behavior Prescriptions in PsychotherapyPaul WatzlawickPaul WatzlawickSenior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute (MRI) and founding member of the MRI Brief Therapy Center team. He was Clinical Professor Emeritus at Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:February 2011https://doi.org/10.1521/jsyt.2010.29.4.35PDFPDF PLUS ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations About Previous article Next article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Cited byCited by1. Hearing voices as a form of inner dialogue. Using the dialogical self to turn a critical voice into an allyOnline publication date: 1 August 2022. Go to citation Crossref Google Scholar2. Paradox in Strategic Couple and Family TherapyOnline publication date: 10 October 2019. Go to citation Crossref Google Scholar3. Paradox in Strategic Couple and Family TherapyOnline publication date: 4 July 2018. Go to citation Crossref Google Scholar4. Thematic review of family therapy journals 2010Online publication date: 15 July 2011. Go to citation Crossref Google Scholar Volume 29Issue 4Dec 2010 Information© 2010 Guilford Publications Inc.PDF download

That was Then; This is Now—Some Further Thoughts

That was Then; This is Now—Some Further ThoughtsJohn H. WeaklandJohn H. WeaklandMRI Brief Therapy Center, and a Senior Research Fellow, Mental Research Institute (MRI), Palo Alto, CA.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:February 2011https://doi.org/10.1521/jsyt.2010.29.4.60PDFPDF PLUS ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations About Previous article Next article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 29Issue 4Dec 2010 Information© 2010 Guilford Publications Inc.PDF download

Positioning Oneself Within an Epistemology: Refining Our Thinking About Integrative Approaches

Integrative approaches seem to be paramount in the current climate of family therapy and other psychotherapies. However, integration between and among theories and practices can only occur within a specific epistemology. This article makes a distinction between three different epistemologies: individualizing, systems, and poststructural. It then makes the argument that one can integrate theories within epistemologies and one can adopt practices and some theoretical concepts across theories and across epistemologies, but that it is impossible to integrate theories across epistemologies. It further states that although social constructionism has influenced much of contemporary psychological thinking, because of the divergence between a structural and a poststructural approach, constructionism looks different depending upon one's epistemological stance. Examples of integration within epistemologies and of what looks like integration across epistemologies (but is not) further illustrate these important distinctions. The conclusions reached here are crucial to our philosophical considerations, our pedagogical assumptions, and implications for both research and a reflexive clinical practice.

Transformative Learning Through Aesthetic Experience

The purpose of this article is to portray the importance of aesthetic experience (a notion understood as the systematic observation and critical analysis of artworks) within the framework of transformative learning. The article includes an extended literature review vis-à-vis the contribution of aesthetic experience in unearthing the integrated knowing, encompassing critically reflective, affective and imaginative dimensions of learning. The ideas of Eisner, Broudy, Gardner, Perkins, Kant, Dewey, Sartre, Efland, Frankfurt School and Palo Alto Mental Research Institute are examined as well as the contributions of the scholars of transformative learning theory to the issue at hand. In the final part, a method is presented, which is constructed synthetically resting on the aforementioned theoretical views and regards the utilization of aesthetic experience in the processes of transformative learning.

La thérapie brève de Palo Alto : l'approche interactionnelle des situations dépressives

Cet article se propose de répondre à la question suivante: comment le modèle de thérapie brève, dû aux instigateurs du Mental Research Institute (MRI – Palo Alto) et à leurs disciples européens, voit et traite une des plaintes les plus communes en psychiatrie, celle du patient déprimé. Les prémisses théoriques (la non-séparation de l’observateur et de l’observé, du sujet et de son environnement) induisent une conception interactionnelle de la nature du problème et du changement. Au niveau clinique, les deux aspects, constructiviste et systémique, s’enchevêtrent pour donner contexte au processus des tentatives de solution (nature du problème) et à l’approche paradoxale (nature du changement).

Heinz von Foerster and my brief therapy work at the MRI

PurposeAn attempt was made to establish a link between brief therapy à la MRI and Heinz von Foerster's view of how we might conceive of and live in the world of our creation, at least in a social sense.Design/methodology/approachThe author relates how her encounter with Heinz von Foerster coincided with and further developed a way of thinking about and doing therapy which she found at the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto, California. She tries to show how Heinz the person has had a lasting effect on the way she conceives of and tries to conduct Brief Therapy à la MRI.FindingsShe finds that using Heinz's metaphor of dancing with the world quite useful in the elucidation of what therapy might be all about: how it might, metaphorically speaking, simply be about engaging a client or clients by dancing with them, allowing for the mutual creation of a new possibility.Originality/valueThis paper was written to commemorate Heinz and for therapists in search of a therapeutic stance.

On being cybernetic

PurposeTo provide personal memories of the work of Heinz von Foerster.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is one of personal reflection.FindingsHow the philosophy and science of cybernetic and cybernetics of cybernetics Heinz von Forester helped create was visible in his behavior with others is described. The relationship between von Forester and research associates of the Mental Research Institute is outlined.Originality/valueProvides an insight to the importance of the work of von Foerster.

A Tradition of Inquiry: Special Section on the Mental Research Institute

A Tradition of Inquiry: Special Section on the Mental Research InstituteWendel A. RayWendel A. Ray1. Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, CASearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online::June 2005https://doi.org/10.1521/jsyt.23.4.1.57841PDFPDF PLUS ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations AboutReferencesBateson , G., Jackson, D., Haley, J., & Weakland, J. (1956), Toward a theory of schizophrenia, Behavioral Science, 1(4), 251–264. Crossref, Google ScholarBateson, G., Jackson, D., Haley, J., & Weakland, J. (1963). A note on the double-bind—1962. Family Process. Google ScholarFisch, R., Weakland, J., & Segal, L. (1982). The tactics of change: Doing therapy briefly. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Google ScholarJackson , D. (1957). The question of family homeostasis. The Psychiatric Quarterly Supplement, 31 (part 1), 79–90. Google ScholarJackson, D. (Ed.), (1968a). Communication, family & marriage: Human communication, Volume I. Palo Alto, CA: Science & Behavior Books. Google ScholarJackson, D. (Ed.), (1968b). Communication, therapy and change: Human communication, Volume II. Palo Alto, CA: Science & Behavior Books. Google ScholarLederer, W., & Jackson, D. Mirages of Marriage, New York: Norton. Google ScholarWatzlawick, P., Beavin Bavelas, J., & Jackson, D. (1967). Pragmatics of human communication. New York: Norton. Google ScholarWatzlawick, P., Weakland, J., & Fisch, R. (1974). Change: Principles of problem formation and problem resolution. New York: Norton. Google ScholarWatzlawick, P., & Weakland, J. (Eds.), (1977). The interactional view. New York: Norton. Google ScholarWeakland, J. (1970). Introductory comments to lecture by G. Bateson. 1st Don D. Jackson Memorial Conference. Unpublished audio recording. Palo Alto, CA: MRI. Google ScholarWeakland, J., & Ray, W. (Eds.), (1995). Propagations: Thirty years of influence from the Mental Research Institute. New York: Haworth Press. Google Scholar Next article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Cited byCited byWendel A. Ray, Ryan J. Stivers and Courtney Brasher1. Through the Eyes of Don D. Jackson M.D.Online publication date: 5 May 2011. Go to citation Crossref Cheryl L. Storm and Gonzalo Bacigalupe2. Looking Back on Our Vision: Evolving Systemic TherapiesOnline publication date: 25 April 2007. Go to citation Crossref 3. Thematic review of family therapy journals in 2004Online publication date: Go to citation Crossref Google Scholar Volume 23Issue 4Dec 2004 Information© Guilford Publications Inc.PDF download

Problem-Solving Across Cultures: Our Latino Experience

This article describes the work at the Latino Brief Therapy and Training Center of the Mental Research Institute (MRI), laying emphasis on what has been the authors' experience when applying the Brief Therapy model as developed at MRI to a culturally diverse population. Reference is made to those concepts and guiding principles intrinsic to the model that we consider very useful when working across cultures. A case and short vignettes are used to illustrate the problem-solving approach developed at MRI, and to substantiate our belief that it can be equally effective when applied to the resolution of complaints (i.e. problems), not only in the Latino community, but across cultures.

“So What Have You Done Lately?” MRI Brief Therapy

Abstract In this article, the evolution is described of the Brief Therapy Model developed at the Mental Research Institute. Changes include being more direct in eliciting information and making suggestions, useful interrupting, and distinquishing between descriptions of events from explanations of events. At the same time, the fundamental premises have been retained.

Strategic Family Therapy in the Trenches

In 1999 the strategic orientation originally developed by Jay Haley at the Mental Research Institute during the 1950s and 60s was reinstituted at the Institute as the Strategic Family Therapy and Training Center (SFTTC). This article describes a recently completed training project in which the strategic model was implemented as the primary treatment approach used by clinicians working in the Juvenile Mental Health division of a large metropolitan county health and hospital system.

Understanding Successful Family Recovery in Treating Alcoholism

The intent of this article is to provide a brief overview of the Family Recovery Project developed in 1989 at the Mental Research Institute (MRI) by Brown and Lewis (1995) and to discuss the necessity for family recovery in treating alcoholism. Two models emerged from this research which provided an understanding of the recovery processes that impact outcome: (1) The Family Recovery Model which identified developmental stages and (2) the Family Recovery Typology Model which differentiated the types of families in recovery (e.g., each type has different thematic and change dynamics that have direct implications for relapse and prevention). Central to recovery are the concepts of first and second order change which are briefly defined and applied to each of the family types. Additionally, four factors were found to provide a working foundation for therapists which can aid in their recovery work.

Indicators of the Alcohol Recovery Process

This study analyzed endorsement of the Koss-Butcher and the Lachar-Wrobel Critical Item sets from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2, Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) by individuals and couples in alcoholism recovery. This exploratory investigation was a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Family Recovery Project conducted at the Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, California. Gender, relationship to alcohol (alcoholic or co-alcoholic), and time in recovery were the independent variables. Fifty-two couples comprised the sample. The results of this study indicate that as recovery progresses, the experience becomes more similar for male and female alcoholics and co-alcoholics.

A conceptual foundation for an ecological and economic development program for the Republic of Daghestan

For many years, I have been reflecting on the reasons for the economic, political and moral breakdown of this country, Through experience and convictions, through visits to many countries, through a long acquaintance with science, education, economics, and culture, plus thirty years of exploring the natural resources, ecology and economy of many districts and villages in Dagestan have led me to certain conclusions. 1. it is time for communism to take its place in the museum of political history. Why? Because Marxism, based on materialism, made man the lord of nature, and made the five senses the sole criterion of knowledge. Anything that could notbe seen or touched was rejected as unscientific. But materialism cannot save man from his present crisis of faith or from the laws of nature, and what is more, it cannot isolate him from nature. Never again will the people of Russia waste their natural resources to prove a point. ReferencesBrodin, Y. and Kuylenstiema, J 1992. Acidification and critical loads in Nordic countries: A background. Ambic, 2 1, No. 5:332.Cerny, l and Paces, T. (eds) 1995. Acidification in the Black Triangle Region. C.G.S, Prague.Charles, D.F. 1991. Effects of acidic deposition on North American lakes: Palaeolimnological evidence from diatoms and chryophtes. Phil- Trans. R. Soc. London, B327: 403.Cowling, E.B. 1982. A historical resume of progress in scientific and public understanding of acid precipitation and its consequences. Environ. Soi.'l'ech., 16: 1 10A.Elvingson, P. 1996. Evidence of continued decline. Acid News, 5: 6. Erisman, J.W. et al. 1994a. A generalized description of the deposition acidifying pollutants on a small scale in Europe. in: Borrei et al. (eds.), The proc. of EUROTRC symp.'94. Academic, 588p.Galloway, J.N. 1995. Acid deposition: Perspectives in time and space. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 85: 15.Galloway, J.N. 2001. Acidification of the World: Natural and Anthropogenic. Water, Air, and Soil pollution, 130: 17.Havas, M. and Rosseland, B.0. 1995. Response of zooplankton, benthos and fish to acidification: An overview. water, Airand Soil Pollution, 85: 5 1.i-lenrikson, A. et al. 1992. Critical loads of acidity: Nordic surface waters. Ambio, 21: 356.Hultberg, H and Grennfelt. P. 1991. Sulphur and sea salt deposition as reflected by throughfall and runoff chemistry in forested catchments. lVL, Bl009, Swedish Environ mental Research institute, Goteborg, Sweden. Lovblad, G. et al. 1992. Deposition of sulfur and nitrogen in the Nordic countries: Present and future Ambio, 2 1, No. 5: 339.

Acidic deposition: Concern for the future of Caspian region

Acidic deposition: Concern for the future of Caspian region

The MRI Reflecting Team: an Integrated Approach

Abstract The postmodern movement has opened avenues for unique, integrated approaches to therapy. Postmodernism encourages a collaborative effort by the client and therapist in resolving presenting problems. The Mental Research Institute (MRI) reflecting team exemplifies this movement toward eclectic and integrated approaches to therapy, drawing upon the clients' ability to find what will work best as a solution to their problems. This paper illustrates the integration of reflecting teams with MRI therapy.

Solution-Focused Therapy: Is It Useful for Nurses in the Workplace?

Solution‐focused therapy is a fairly new idea in nursing. It began in the mid‐70s with a group of family therapists working in Milwaukee, S WI. The therapists adapted this brief therapy model, which originated at the Mental Research Institute in Palto Alto, CA. The solution‐focused therapy centers more on solutions rather than on problems and on the then and there. It is goal‐driven, individual based, and focuses on strengths (what is good that is happening) rather than on weaknesses, such as problems. This premise and philosophy are now being applied in employee assistance programs, parenting techniques, pediatric applications, and schools.

Systemic therapy: An overview

An outline is given of the historical development of systems ideas within the field of therapy. A history of systemic therapy is provided, from the early days of the Mental Research Institute to recent influences upon therapeutic practice. Key applications of theory are described and current areas of debate are highlighted.