The Concept of Power in Family Therapy: Toward a Hegemonic Analysis of Discourse

This dissertation offers a theoretical rationale and a methodology for the critical analysis of microprocesses. Noting that systemic therapists lack descriptions of their work as ideological, this research offers a vocabulary that can address the twinned concepts of power and intentionality in systemic practices, inserting a critical perspective in family therapy. A review of the family therapy literature reveals that the Cartesian mind/body dualism splintered the development of family therapy into two groups: the "systemic" therapies followed Bateson's distrust of "purposive" processes and subsequently, disqualified power as an issue in clinical practice.