ABSTRACT
The case discussed in this chapter presents one version of the Intersystem Model. It thoroughtly integrates assessment and treatment as well as intergenerational, individual/intrapsychic, and interactional perspectives around the concept of relational responsibility. The intergenerational perspective identified how Sandy and Jim learned to feel and act overresponsible for others andunderresponsible for themselves in their families of origin. The intrapsychic perspective targeted Jim's and Sandy's regulation of self-esteem by continuing the patterns of over/underresponsibility learned in childhood. The interac-tional perspective focused on day-to-day interactions between Jim and Sandy, as well as between each of them and others, which reinforced those patterns and which needed to change for the couple to enjoy a mutually satisfying and empowering relationship. Therapeutic interventions addressed all three per-spectives to effect changes in the couple's construction of themselves and the relationship (e.g., predictions, definitions); their feelings about themselves, the relationship, and one another; and their behavior with one another and their children, families, and coworkers.
