Positive Family Therapy: The Family as Therapist

The author's principal aim is to win over the patient through the development of the "positive" aspects of his psychopathology-a concern the significance of which I have also discovered, especially in schizophrenic therapy. It is in this specific sense that Peseschkian speaks of "positive" psychotherapy. His model is a notable synthesis of psychodynamic and behavior-therapeutic elements, making an essential contribution to unified relationships within psychotherapy. In this way Peseschkian is attempting not to directly confront the patient's resistances. The consultation takes place in a loving way through allusions to poetry, proverbs and oriental fairy tales and myths, to which Peseschkian, as a Persian, has direct access. His ability to offer his patient a great treasure of handed-down wisdom knows no bounds. Anyone who has personally experi­ enced the author's therapeutic enthusiasm and optimism will understand why this method of short psychotherapeutic procedure is highly successful in its effects. Professor Gaetano Benedetti, M. D.