Mara Selvini Palazzoli

Mara Selvini Palazzoli (1916–1999) was an influential Italian psychiatrist and psychotherapist who made significant contributions to the field of family therapy and the study of psychosomatic disorders. She is best known for her work in developing the Milan Systemic Family Therapy model, which focuses on the family system rather than on the individual as the unit of treatment.

Born in Milan, Italy, Selvini Palazzoli initially trained in psychiatry and showed a keen interest in psychoanalysis. However, her focus shifted towards the dynamics within families and how these could influence individual psychopathologies. This shift was partly influenced by her observations that traditional psychoanalytic methods were not always effective in treating certain disorders, especially those manifesting in children and adolescents.

In the 1970s, Selvini Palazzoli co-founded the Milan Center for Family Studies, alongside Luigi Boscolo, Gianfranco Cecchin, and Giuliana Prata. This group became known for their innovative approach to family therapy, which included the use of the paradoxical intervention technique. This technique involves suggesting to the family or individual to continue with the problematic behavior, with the intention of disrupting the system and encouraging change.

One of Selvini Palazzoli's most influential works is "Paradox and Counterparadox," published in 1978. In this book, she and her colleagues outlined their theoretical and clinical approach to family therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and intervening in the complex systems of interaction within families.

Selvini Palazzoli's work extended beyond family therapy to include the study of anorexia nervosa. She viewed anorexia not merely as an individual illness but as a symptom of dysfunctional family dynamics. Her approach to treating anorexia involved engaging the entire family in therapy sessions to address these dynamics.

Throughout her career, Selvini Palazzoli received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to psychiatry and psychotherapy. Her work has influenced not only the field of family therapy but also the broader disciplines of psychology and psychiatry, particularly in the understanding and treatment of psychosomatic and relational disorders.

Mara Selvini Palazzoli's legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Milan Center for Family Studies and the many therapists and researchers influenced by her theories and methods.