Contextual family therapy

Abstract Family therapy expanded rapidly after surfacing in the 1950s. Contextual family therapy was developed by Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy in response to behavior that appeared to have destructive loyalty implications. This article examines the major principles, goals and specific terms of contextual therapy, along with the methods employed in its clinical application. It is hoped that this clarification of the theory and methodology of contextual family therapy will increase its usefulness for clinicians.