ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of context; primarily in regards to systems theory. Many family therapists view themselves as systems thinkers. Much of the early systems perspective was based on the notion of cybernetics—a focus on pattern and organization and how systems self-regulate. A system is an organization of parts that come together to function as a whole. An individual is a system as it is a conglomeration of parts that all work together to keep the person alive. A rule describes what is and what is not allowed in the system. Rules help to define how people can behave and communicate. In every communication there are multiple levels of understanding. Family therapists make distinctions between content and process. Content refers to what is being said. Process refers to how that information is to be taken—it speaks to the relationship. Patterns occur based on the rules of the relationship. Three main types of patterned relationships are: symmetrical, complementary, and parallel.
