Systems Centered Therapy - Theory of Living Human Systems: An Introduction

Theory of Living Human Systems: An Introduction

Systems-Centered Therapy and Consultation developed by Yvonne Agazarian, Ed.D., is based on the Theory of Living Human Systems, a theory that can be applied to any living human system as small as one individual or a large group and couples, families, classrooms, committees, businesses or even nations. Thus the theory offers a set of ideas for thinking about how living human systems work that can be applied at any level.

The theory defines “a hierarchy of isomorphic systems that are energy-organizing, self-correcting and goal directed” - working on the assumption that psychic patterns will be repeated in the same form (isomorphy)at every nested level of interaction. Each of these constructs is then operationally defined with methods developed that test the hypothesis of the theory. In this way, it offers a comprehensive systems theory and methodology of practice that can be applied in clinical, organizational and educational settings. Most importantly, Agazarian’s theory of living human systems introduces the hypothesis that the single essential process by which living human systems survive, develop and transform is by discriminating and integrating differences.

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