ABSTRACT
In family therapy, we often conflate theory, diagnosis, and intervention. This has narrowed our ability to practice. When we conflate theory, diagnosis, and intervention, we end up doing none of them well. To advance the field and to build better diagnosis and intervention models we need to be clear about the purpose and role of theory, diagnosis, and intervention.
Theory is the foundation of family therapy. We use theory in family therapy to circumscribe explanations and set the parameters for diagnosis and intervention. Diagnosis is the application of theory to the immediate context. We use theory to make diagnostic statements about the past, present, and future. Diagnosis bridges theory and intervention. Without diagnosis, you can’t link theory to intervention. Intervention is the assumed remedy for the diagnosis – it allows to alter the present and the future. If family therapy is going to advance, we must use and apply theory, diagnosis, and intervention as intended.
