A three-level definition of a family therapy approach is offered. On a theoretical level, the authors define family approaches as those organized around systems theory and constructivism. On an assessment level, they define family approaches as those that operate from a three-person unit of analysis, identifying three-person interactional patterns and three-person interactional exceptions. From an intervention perspective, the authors define family therapy approaches as those that aim to change interactional patterns and/or enlarge interactional exceptions. Family approaches to working with trauma are then reviewed. Finally, the chapter addresses cross-cultural competence and trauma. The authors note the dominance of Western ideals and argue for the inclusion of and sensitivity to non-Western cultural understandings.
