Communication in such an integrated family system has a vitality to it that reflects the high degree of complexity achieved by blending these two fundamental processes: differentiation (people being separate and unique individuals) and integration (people coming together to join with each other). Such a blending of differentiation and integration enables the family to create something larger than the sum of the individual parts. Integrative communication enhances both parents’ and children’s individuality as they join together as a “we” that enhances their sense of connection in the world.
