Elardi de Beer 3359-4139 Pyc 4808 Assignment 2

Critically compare the epistemologies governing the first and second order cybernetic approaches. 1. How is reality seen by each specific approach? Before I can answer this question I have to define reality. Reality is defined as a real existence or actual being as opposed to imaginary, idealised or false. It is something that actually happens in real life and is comparable with fact (Rooney, 2001) The first order cybernetic perspective poses a question about what reality really is. This gives the idea that reality is a construct that can be visual. This idea is in total contrast with the second order cybernetic perspective. The idea that we can not actually physically perceive reality like touching it, then there is no way of proving that what we think we see is actually there. Boscolo viewed reality as a social construct. Our ideas regarding the world are observer- dependaent and not necessarily matched by events and Objects out there (Boscolo et al, 1987) The therapists using first order epistemology will treat problems from an outsider point of view by observation. They will not be influenced by the process. Second order epistemology show therapists who is actively part of the process. The first order of epistemology is happy to stay isolated while the second order of epistemology sees itself as part of the process.

2. How is health and pathology addressed by each approach? Family health can be defined from a first order perspective. According to Munuchin`s Structural approach, for proper family functioning the boundaries of subsystems must be clear. They should be well defined so as to allow subsystem members to carry out their respective functions without unnecessary interference. These boundaries must however allow contact between the members of the subsystems (Minuchin, 1974) The identified patient is the one member of the family that is seen by the others as being the problem and this results in the family using the therapy process. With Second order Cybernetics not accepting any thing implying good or bad with respect to the system, how can we decide how healthy or pathological a system is? Nothing is seen negative until the listener seas it as negative. 3. How does each specific approach deal with therapy? Change within the first order happens inside the system. It stays within the boundaries of the rules in the system. The moment the rules itself is changed and so the system, then it is called the second-order change. How is change facilitated in the first-order approach? The relationship between the members changes and so it changes the dynamic of the family. Change in the second-order. Second order change happens when the therapist and patient work together to facilitate change. The therapists are open and that creates an environment for change to take place.

4. What is the role and function of the therapist in each specific approach? First order therapists: They see what is happening inside system, but they are on the outside. They are the experts who set the goals according to their theories. The therapist is seen by the family as the maintenance person who needs to repair problems. The therapist does not only observe the one member of the family with the problem, but observes the family dynamics as a whole. Second order therapists: Therapy is seen as a group sport between the patient and the therapist. Both put in effort to negotiate change. The therapist is ready to speak and listen to form a healthy dialogue between the whole system. 5. Which critical ethical concerns could be raised about each specific perspective? First order approaches ethical risks: There is a risk that the therapist only sees the problem from the view of one sub-system and do not look at the problem holistically. The whole idea of the therapist in the first order approach is to bring about change in the family system. This in its own can be an ethical problem. The therapist has used her one value to assist change in the family system that in turn, can have different values. Labelling the pathologies of the family is also an ethical risk. Second order approaches ethical risks: Because the second order relies so much on language as a therapy tool, choice of words and stereotyping can sometimes become a problem. 6. How can the first and second order cybernetic approaches be integrated in complementary ways?

The therapist should keep in mind the thought process of the family members as well as their own, because they have an influence on the dialogue. They have to keep and eye on things like facial expressions, tone of voice and eye contact so that they can be aware of what the impact and thought process is inside therapy. The second order approach therefore adds to the first order in this area. The second order brought respect back to the therapy system where the therapist is aware how his/her behaviour effects the patients. Reference: Becvar D.S., & Becvar, R.J. (2006). Family therapy: A systemic integration. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Boscolo, L., Cecchin, G., Hoffman, L. & Penn, P (1987). Milan systemic family therapy: Conversations in theory and practice. New York: Basic Books Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapies. London: Tavistock. Reber,E.S., & Reber, A.S. (2001). Dictionary of Psychology (3rd ed). Penguin books. p. 601 Rooney, K. (2001). Encarta concise English dictionary. Bloomsbury. London