ABSTRACT
Family systems theory is basically a group theory. Its explanations about the behavior of individuals emphasize their mutual influence upon one another, as opposed to an emphasis on sources within individuals. The presence of members with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms places stress on the other family members. For the discussion of the family and PTSD, perhaps the most important of the many group processes that are captured best in the family is the group’s role in providing emotional support to affected members. The relational structure of the family, as expressed in their interactions in the therapist’s presence, is the central focus of the therapy. The role of the therapist working with a family contains the same fundamentals as that of the group therapist. The traumatization of a family member not only poses new problems for a family, it often stirs up many of the family’s old conflicts.
