Mara Selvini Palazzoli

Mara Selvini Palazzoli

Mara Selvini Palazzoli

Mara Selvini Palazzoli (1916–1999) was an influential Italian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, renowned for her pioneering work in the field of family therapy. She is best known for her development of the Milan Systemic Family Therapy approach, which has had a significant impact on the practice of psychotherapy worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Mara Selvini Palazzoli was born in Milan, Italy, in 1916. She pursued her medical degree at the University of Milan, where she developed an interest in psychiatry. Her early career was marked by her work in child psychiatry, which laid the foundation for her later contributions to family therapy.

Career and Contributions

Milan Systemic Family Therapy

In the 1960s, Selvini Palazzoli, along with her colleagues Luigi Boscolo, Gianfranco Cecchin, and Giuliana Prata, founded the Milan Center for Family Studies. Together, they developed the Milan Systemic Family Therapy model, which emphasized the importance of understanding family dynamics and communication patterns. This approach was characterized by its use of circular questioning and hypothesizing, which helped therapists explore the relational context of psychological issues.

Key Concepts

The Milan approach introduced several key concepts to family therapy, including:

• Circularity: The idea that problems are maintained by circular patterns of interaction within the family.
• Hypothesizing: The process of forming hypotheses about family dynamics to guide therapeutic interventions.
• Neutrality: The therapist's stance of non-judgment and curiosity, allowing for a more open exploration of family issues.

Publications

Selvini Palazzoli authored several influential books and articles on family therapy, including "Paradox and Counterparadox" and "The Work of Mara Selvini Palazzoli." Her writings have been translated into multiple languages, extending her influence beyond Italy.

Legacy

Mara Selvini Palazzoli's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of psychotherapy. Her systemic approach to family therapy has been integrated into various therapeutic models and continues to inform contemporary practice. Her emphasis on understanding the complex interactions within families has helped shape the way therapists approach treatment.

Related Pages

• Family therapy
• Systemic therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Circular questioning