Abstract

This paper is an examination of change as an evolving concept progressing from early philosophies to systems theory. The purpose of the paper was to clarify the dimensions of change in the integration of family systems theory and chaos and complexity theory. The key concept in the material change is articulated from selected interdisciplinary sources in the history of ideas, from Parmenides through deep ecology, related to a current integration of family systems and chaos theory. This study examines whether modern therapeutic interventions are prolonging or preventing the family's natural chaotic processes, which may be necessary and in some cases inevitable with a family system. This new interaction and application of chaos theory integrated with family systems therapy will provide new opportunities, change, and potential self-renewal to many aspects of psychology. That integration can contribute to theory, research, and practice