In fact, illness is best defined subjectively. Instead of being treated, illness is placed in a context. The family is always a crucial part of the context, both symbolically and in reality. Healing involves the capacity to tolerate or even enjoy ambiguity. Psychotherapeutic methods promote healing.
Family systems are powerfully stable.
Living patterns have a continuity that bridges generations. The stability remains intact despite stressful extremes of emotion, social upset, illness or death. For better or for worse, the family is in charge of itself. The family decides what treatment will be permitted. The family has some say in whether it will be possible to get better, and by what means.