Published: October 2022

Keywords:
Karl Tomm, Kyriaki Polychroni, Systemic Approach, Family Therapy.

Karl Tomm

Karl Tomm (MD, Ph.D.) is Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary, Canada. He is also the Director of the Calgary Family Therapy Centre which he founded in 1973. Karl has been at the international forefront of developments in collaborative practice for over 35 years and has published numerous related articles and books. He is deeply interested in the application of systems theory, narrative theory, social constructionism and second order cybernetics to therapy. Currently he is focused on clarifying the effects of social injustice on families, the influence on therapists of the distinctions they make regarding their clients, and on explicating the possible therapeutic and counter therapeutic effects of the interviewing process itself.

E-mail: Ktomm@ucalgary.ca

Kyriaki Polychroni

Kyriaki Polychroni is a Psychologist (MA, CGP, LMFT), Systemic Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Trainer with specialization in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). She is a long-standing clinician, faculty and Advisory Scientific Council member at the Athenian Institute of Anthropos (AIA). Founder and Coordinator of the EFT Greek Network, she was recently selected as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). Kyriaki is well recognized for her major role in the networking and mutual learning of Family Therapy Trainers in Europe and, in 2016, was honored with the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA) award for her contribution to the field. She is EFTA’s Past President and Honorary Chair of the European Chamber of Family Therapy Training Institutes (EFTA-TIC). She is also a Founding Member of the Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (ELESYTH) and Clinical Member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).

Kyriaki lived with Petros Polychronis as partners in life for over 45 years.

E-mail: k_polychroni@otenet.gr

Abstract

Karl Tomm and Kyriaki Polychroni engage in a conversation on family therapy and systems thinking and, through therapy case examples, refer to specific theorists and approaches that have influenced and co-shaped Karl’s work. The discussion focuses on recent theoretical developments of his epistemological view and practice (e. g., the importance of the family’s social network, the Nonviolent Resistance approach, and the utilization of emotions) and how all these relate to his personal and professional meaning at this later stage in his life. Finally, they discuss the directions that they estimate will shape therapeutical approaches in the coming years and how these approaches are called upon to integrate, both intrapersonal, interpersonal and ecological parameters.