The idea of involving the entire family in resolving a problem expressed by one of its members is still relatively new.   Prior to the 1950s when the family was first perceived as the client system, more traditional ways of changing dysfunctional patterns of behavior were favored.  Most therapists, including social workers, approached problem solving from the viewpoint of changing an individual; the person who expressed the problem, usually through behavior unacceptable to others, was seen as the target for change.