Systems Theory and Family Therapy - Third Edition

by Raphael J. Becvar, Dorothy Stroh Becvar

This book provides an overview of the basic concepts of a systems theoretical perspective using families and family therapy as examples and illustrations of their application in professional practice. This meta-perspective focuses on viewing problems in context. The difference between first-order and second-order cybernetics is explicated. Readers then are invited to see themselves as parts of the systems with which they are working consistent with a second-order cybernetics perspective. Along the way a difference between modernism and post-modernism as well as constructionism and social constructionism also are described. In addition, theories of individual and family development are presented with implications for their use in family therapy. The book concludes with more than 100 examples of how the meta-perspective of systems theory can be used in work with families.

Genres: Counselling, Grad School, Academic

118 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2017

Reviews

[Andrea Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never wrote a review for this because I didn't care, but 10 months (and 7 classes for my Master's program) after finishing it, I'm so freaking grateful to have been recommended this book. I think I've referenced it for 75% of the papers I've written. It discusses different systems theory concepts, making sense of each one. It's like my encyclopedia for systems theory, or a really fantastic glossary. Shout out to Dr. Bosley for recommending this when I asked for something to read before classes started. Big win.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book of family systems theory. The strong philosophical worldview surprised me (utilitarian and postmodern), but I enjoyed the descriptive applications (particularly around stages of family development).

[Kelsee James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Systems Theory: A Primer by Dorothy Becvar is a dense, academically rigorous text that serves as a conceptual overview rather than an introductory guide to systems theory. The book is highly informative, but it is not written for beginner students or those encountering systems concepts for the first time. A working knowledge of systems theory, cybernetics, and family systems language is helpful, and in many cases necessary, to fully grasp the material.

Rather than offering step-by-step explanations or applied examples, the text focuses on clarifying foundational assumptions and philosophical underpinnings of systems theory. As such, it functions best as a theoretical reference or companion text, especially for readers already familiar with systemic thinking. Overall, Systems Theory is a valuable resource for advanced learners, but it demands patience, prior knowledge, and a willingness to engage deeply with complex academic material.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concepts containers in the book are great. Unfortunately, there is a lot of jargon making the concepts difficult to extrapolate. The examples contained within the book to help to clarify new concepts and lend them a practical point of view.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super boring and dry. No practical application at all. Fortunately, it was mercifully short.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good textbook to start with

Explains basics of systems theory. Great text book. Love the lists of principles towards the end. A good list to keep around