What does the 'symbolic world' refer to in Whitaker's goal setting?

In Whitaker's framework, the 'symbolic world' pertains to the collective meanings and experiences of the family. This concept highlights how families create shared understandings and narratives that shape their interactions, identities, and patterns of behavior. The symbolic world encompasses the values, beliefs, and emotional connections that family members experience together. It plays a crucial role in therapy as it allows practitioners to uncover underlying dynamics and to foster healthier patterns of interaction by redefining these shared meanings.

This understanding is essential in family therapy since it indicates that the dynamics are not merely based on individual behaviors but are instead influenced by the collective experiences and interpretations within the family system. By focusing on the symbolic world, therapists can assist families in recognizing and adjusting the narratives that may be contributing to dysfunction, promoting a more cohesive and supportive family environment.