RE-VISIONING THE FAMILY-LIFE CYCLE THEORY AND PARADIGM IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY-THERAPY

Theorizing, research, and psychotherapeutic practice in regard to fami ly life course and family developmental theories have been largely dom inated by the family life cycle (FLC) paradigm in psychological and ps ychotherapeutic disciplines. This article discusses some of the specif ic problems associated with the adoption of the FLC paradigm in marria ge and family therapy (MFT). Four ideas are offered as ways to ''re-vi sion'' the FLC paradigm in MFT in the areas of theory, research, and t herapy. These ideas involve using new action theory ideas, using the n arrative metaphor and narrative accounts of life, questioning the unde rlying constructs of MFT theories and their adoption of the FLC paradi gm, and an example of questions for therapists concerning personal bel iefs and the FLC paradigm.