The functional hypothesis: A family systems contribution toward an understanding of the healing process of the common factors.

In this article, the authors link a central organizing concept and process, The Functional Hypothesis, to the literature on metatheoretical approaches to the psychotherapy process. The Functional Hypothesis is presented as a central thread that runs through all family systems models, the employment of which contributes to successful therapeutic outcomes. The Functional Hypothesis is linked to the literature on client factors in emotional healing and is posited as the creative catalyst for the dynamics of the Common Factors. A Case Example is included, exemplifying the metatheoretical Internal Family Systems Therapy model which operationalizes therapeutic work with the Functional Hypothesis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)