The Identified Patient in Family Therapy and Jesus Christ: A Limited Analogy

Abstract

Family therapists have recognized the importance of analogic or metaphoric thinking in the conceptualization of family problems. In this article, we develop an analogy pertaining to a frequently studied phenomenon in family therapy, the symptom bearing child or Identified Patient (IP). By exploring certain similarities and differences between the IP and Jesus Christ, we hope to increase the reader's awareness of the richness and poignancy of the saving role in human relations. Also, an understanding of the Christ/IP analogy may be helpful to family therapists who must avoid idealizing or identifying with the symptomatic child.