Edizioni FrancoAngeli - Last issue of RIVISTA DI PSICOTERAPIA RELAZIONALE (36/2012)

Isomorphism and creativity: a Process of Reciprocal Adjustment (PRA)

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Carmelo Panebianco
The author considers the discovery of "mirror-neurons" and the individuation of a innate function in man, "the embodied simulation", very important. However, he thinks that there is a wider innate function, the "embodied function of adaptation", which is a system above the "embodied simulation" one. The author thinks that the adaptation develops through processes of simulation, syntonization, assimilation and accommodation. When two persons start interacting, since they are both provided with the "innate function of adaptation", they start up a complex Process of Reciprocal Adjustment (PRA). Relationship reachs a definition through a process of reciprocal adjustment in which the interacting persons select points of compatibility: attachment styles, MOI, family models, needs, etc. The isomorphism is a response that comes from the PRA during the course of treatment. The isomorphic behavior therapists are regarded as a powerful diagnostic tool and therapeutic. If the isomorphism is something that emerges from the encounter between two systems (patients system and therapists system), both equipped with adaptive function incarnate, the treatment system is something more and different than the simple addition of its parts. The "more and different", or the treatment system, is already a condition of change.

When the children shield the adults. To learn from experience: a co-evolution way

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Sergio Lupoi, Adele Maria Rosaria Francavilla
In this article the authors, two psycotherapists and their supervisor, propose a clinical case about a single mother and two sons, that the therapeutics had in treatment during their training. At the psychotherapy meetings the maternal grandparents also are present, because they take care of the two children daily. In this system the children take on the family’s emotion, as if they were the "emotional barrier" which has the protective function of preventing the emergence of painful feelings such as anger, sadness, fear, related to the death of their father. This work is characterized by some reflections on the therapeutic process and it contemplates the different levels that cross each other. It looks over the isomorphisms and their evolutive use, the family’s change and the psycotherapeutics’ s development, the involvement of the supervisor.

Parental separation: the looming monster

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Caterina Iacobitti
The article topic is the conflict that arises in cases of tough separation and divorce and their negative effects observed on children, when they are placed "in between" during parenting disputes. It is underlined a characteristic kind of conflict management in the process of separation, namely the "shift", in order to provide with an even more specific reading, throughout the analysis of Parental Alienation Syndrome. The author shows, finally, a case with which you can see what are the consequences on children that are used by adults in these dysfunctional family processes.

An imaginary conversation with Edgar Morin

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Eliseo Ghisu
In this paper, the author illustrates an imaginary conversation between a young psychologist specializing in family psychotherapy and the french philosopher Edgar Morin. The dialogue is based upon the first volume of the Morin’s works called "the Method". The conversation goes on between the curious questions of the student and the deep answers of the thinker that summarize the basic concepts of the book. Morin confesses the real reasons that are below his work, talking about epistemology as a real "maître à penser", helping the student to orienting himself toward a new vision of the reality’s complexity.

Isomorphism and counter paradox in Shutter Island: a model of creative learning

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Antonella Morreale, Anna Ruggirello, Giusi Daniela Ventimiglia, Leonarda Vultaggio
This article aims to show how the learning of relational systems model can be realized in a creative way by sharing and critically reading a movie. In particular, the paper aims to analyze the movie "Shutter Island" by highlighting specific aspects that characterize the therapeutic process which the therapeutic paradox, the isomorphism, the reductio ad absurdum, the Pro- cess of Reciprocal Adjustment (PRA). The analysis of these issues led the authors to reflections on the ethical value of the psychotherapeutic process, inserted into the broad context of cybernetic complementarity.

Son alone, only a son, an only child? When loyalty to the memory of the brother and the pain of the parents is the consequence of a trauma with loss

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Alessandra De Col, Ilaria Picchio
In this work the authors present a clinical case in which the concept of loyalty to the memory of those who failed and the pain of that trauma can lead to symptoms that portends a psychological split, defined as a difficulty in family. The ethics and loyalty to family, loyalty to it to protect it from pain, sometimes sacrificing their own. The reading of the relational dynamics of family helps to highlight the function of the difficulty to define the child M. In this family, as often happens in families with children, M. was the clue to enter the maze of her painful family history and unravel the skein. This family has also helped the co-therapist to overcome their "mourning" about separation as co-therapists.

Do you also see the monsters?

Sun, 15 Dec 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Francesca Romana Bonomo, Valentini Arianna Proietti
If it’s true that all family carry on a part of our story, it’s possible to use ourselves as an instrument of other’s knowledge. This work is inspired by the analysis of a clinical case about a family who lives the experience of conjugal separation and ask a therapy for the first daughter’s symptomatology. The examination is realized through some reflections about isomorphism between family and therapeutic system and the finally growth of both systems. The "monster’s visions", one patient’s symptom, become the "fil rouge" of the therapy, exemplify the importance of other’s acknowledgement and needs, through the use of therapeutic self and his own life experiences, above all through therapeutic resonances.