Multiple/Invented Reality in Family Systems Theory

Introduction

Philosophy has long discussed the idea of multiple realities from an abstract point of view. However, the application of this concept to psychology, counseling, therapy, and family systems is only recently gaining traction and momentum. This entry will focus on describing a view of this concept and providing a clinical example.

Theoretical Context for Concept

The conceptual framework for “multiple realities” is based in the literature on postmodernism and social constructionist epistemological and philosophical viewpoints. Critical theories, like critical race theory (Ladson-Billings and Tate 1995), feminist theory (Tuana and Tong 1995), queer theory (Giffney and O’Rourke 2009), etc., and social justice literature expound on these concepts and challenge the dominant discourse that is largely created by the privileged voices in a given society. This multifaceted concept highlights the intricacies of the human experience and focuses on the innate subjectivities of meaning...