Deviation Amplifying: The Second Session

Abstract

Amplifying deviations in family interactions is a critical practice in family therapy and one that can follow the first systemic intervention. This chapter provides a series of practical guidelines for this purpose, derived from an integration of a variety of models of family therapy. Solution-focussed and narrative questions are employed systemically, with the aim of magnifying virtuous rather than vicious cycles of interaction. A theoretical rationale for deviation amplifying, a case vignette, and a detailed transcript of therapy are also presented. This approach to fostering small changes in family interactions has been applied to a variety of presenting problems, including school refusal and the family-based treatment of anorexia nervosa, and has been integrated into clinical psychology training.