This article describes a method for doing therapy that uses multi-syst
emic themes that combine meaning and action to facilitate therapeutic
change. By identifying central themes that operate at the individual,
dyadic, triadic, whole-family inter-generational, and sociocultural le
vels, the therapist is able to develop effective interview questions a
nd design useful interventions. In this method, behavioral symptoms ar
e framed as a current manifestation of an overarching theme. This orie
ntation enables family and therapist to de-pathologize symptoms and wo
rk collaboratively towards change. Case examples from a wide variety o
f families with differing presenting problems, interactional patterns,
three-generational histories, and cultural backgrounds illustrate the
efficacy of the method.