A theoretical framework for developing, describing and analyzing family‐therapeutic techniques involving make‐believe play is presented and illustrated by clinical examples. This theoretical framework includes specifications of the therapeutic goals served by the technique and its procedural details (the therapist's position and roles, the method of intervention, the sources of play content and means, and the amount of planning) and an analysis of its rationale (the properties of the make‐believe play involved, the targets of the intervention in the family system, the expected changes and their causes). This framework draws on a definition of the concept “make‐believe play,” a model for the analysis of make‐believe play symbols and a model of family systems, which are briefly sketched in this article, preceding the presentation of the theoretical framework itself.

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RESUMEN. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir una descripción teórica que explique cómo los terapeutas del Programa de Especialización en Terapia Familiar Sistémica de la Universidad de La Frontera, llegan a ser Terapeutas Familiares Sistémicos. La investigación utilizó metodología cualitativa, empleando teoría fundamentada y técnica de entrevista focalizada. La población correspondió a los diversos actores implicados en el proceso; considerando como parte del mismo, tanto a terapeutas formados, en formación, formadores y supervisores. Se propone que la formación es permanente, potenciado por un sistema de formación que emerge en el programa. Este estudio pretende aportar al conocimiento de la formación de terapeutas, así como a espacios académicos, y particularmente a programas de formación sistémica. Palabras-clave: Formación del psicoterapeuta; terapia familiar; teoría fundamentada. FORMAÇÃO DE TERAPEUTAS NO PROGRAMA ESPECIALIZAÇÃO EM TERAPIA FAMILIAR SISTÊMICA RESUMO. O objetivo do estudo foi construir uma descrição teórica que explique como terapeutas do Programa de Especialização em Terapia Familiar Sistêmica da Universidade de La Frontera tornam-se terapeutas de família sistêmicos. A pesquisa utilizou a metodologia qualitativa e aplicou a teoria fundamentada e técnica de entrevista focalizada. A população constituiu-se dos vários atores envolvidos no processo, considerando-se como parte deste tanto terapeutas formados ou em formasção quanto os instrutores e supervisores. Propõe-se que o treinamento seja contínuo e alimentado por um sistema de formação que surja no programa. Este estudo visa contribuir para o conhecimento da formação dos terapeutas, assim como de áreas acadêmicas e, especialmente de programas de formação sistêmica. Palavras-chave: Formação do psicoterapeuta; terapia familiar; teoria fundamentada. ABSTRACT. The objective was to build a theoretical description that explains how therapists in the Specialization Program in Systemic Family Therapy at the University of La Frontera, become Systemic Family Therapists. The research used qualitative methodology, using grounded theory and focused interview technique. The population corresponded to the various actors involved in the process, considering as part of it, both trained therapists in training, trainers and supervisors. It is proposed that training is ongoing, powered by a training system that emerges in the program. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the training of therapists, as well as academic areas, particularly systemic training programs.

The concept of family homeostasis and related concepts such as family rules and family feedback mechanisms came under heavy fire in a recent article by Dell (1982). It is not easy to evaluate the arguments brought forth by Dell, since the concepts in question seem to have never been formally explicated. Most of this article is devoted to an attempt to develop such a formal explication. Dell's arguments are then examined one by one in the light of this explication, and most of them are shown to be mistaken. His main conclusion, that the concept of homeostasis should be replaced by a concept of coherence, is rejected.