ABSTRACT
Chaos theory is designed to investigate complex behavior and to look for underlying patterns in what appears to be random. Certainly, this has implications for clinicians working with human systems. Although chaos theory eliminates the idea of predictability and control in human systems, it enhances the concepts of description, understanding, and influence. Chaos theory provides a strong scientific basis for the efficacy of techniques that unbalance family systems. In systems theory, chaos is also described as a 'far-from-equilibrium' state. As is true in systems theory, this aspect of chaos theory emphasizes that for a reorganization to occur, there must first be an increase in chaos or disorder. Although cybernetics and general systems theory were helpful in providing an impetus for the development of family therapy, there are significant limitations to the application of these paradigms. Cybernetics was derived from investigations of mechanical systems, not natural or human systems.
