Zeit-skulpturen: der gebrauch analoger sprache bei der therapeutischen arbeit mit psychosomatischen familien.

In this article the author presents a method of therapeutic intervention in families with psychosomatic disorders based on the use of family sculptures of the >>present<< and >>future<<. Each family member is requested to represent the family as it >>is<< at present and how it >>will be<< in future. The definition of this method is the result of extensive research on various psychosomatic disorders. First the theoretical reasons for this choice, which are principally two, are discussed: the opportunity of utilizing a therapeutic language which was similar to the non-verbal language of the psychosomatic symptom and the usefulness of reinserting a temporal dimension in family systems which seem to have lost their evolutionary potential in a sort of >>time lock<<. Then two clinical cases are discussed: one of a child with chronic asthma, the other of an anorexic adolescent. The use of sculptures in these cases revealed the underlying problems making positive therapeutic intervention possible. Finally, the authors point out the epistemological significance of therapeutic intervention with sculptures, a model which enables the therapist to deal with multiple systemic levels