Redefining the problem: Individual symptom and family system

Abstract When a child or another single member of a family is brought for psychotherapy, usually the family therapist's first order of business is to help the family see the individual's presenting symptoms as they relate to transactions within the entire family. The therapist's task is to “redefine” individual symptoms into statements about the family system itself, and about how the family system initiates and maintains certain symptoms in particular individuals.