In Milan Systemic Family Therapy, what is identified as a core issue that maintains family problems?

In Milan Systemic Family Therapy, a fundamental concept revolves around how families respond to and adapt to changing circumstances. The therapy emphasizes that when families encounter challenges or conflicts, they may struggle to modify their patterns of behavior or beliefs in response to new situations. This failure to adapt can create a cycle of problems that continues to affect the family's dynamic and overall functioning.

Understanding this perspective highlights the significance of flexibility and adaptability in family systems. When families are unable to adjust their interactions or beliefs to meet evolving needs or situations, it can result in persistent issues, maintaining dysfunction and reinforcing negative patterns. This maladaptation can manifest in various forms, such as rigid roles within the family, avoidance of difficult conversations, or resistance to change, all of which perpetuate ongoing difficulties.

This understanding of maladaptive patterns aligns with the core principles of the Milan approach, which seeks to foster awareness and promote change by helping families recognize and shift their responses to relational challenges. The focus on adaptation is vital for facilitating healthier interactions among family members and ultimately resolving conflicts.