What Is the Palo Alto School?
- mathieuderossi2
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Introduction
The Palo Alto School is a school of thought that emerged in the 1950s in Palo Alto, California. It profoundly changed how we understand human communication and psychological difficulties. This school is the origin of therapeutic methods like brief therapy and family therapy, which are now used around the world.
An interdisciplinary approach
Founded by Gregory Bateson, the Palo Alto School was built through the collaboration of researchers from diverse disciplines such as mathematics, psychology, anthropology, logic, and economics. Among them were major figures like Paul Watzlawick, Jay Haley, John Weakland, and Richard Fisch.
Their goal was to understand how the human mind works through the ways individuals communicate and interact with one another. Drawing on cybernetics and the work of Milton Erickson—renowned for his contributions to modern hypnosis—they laid the groundwork for a new science of communication.
A different way of looking at problems
The Palo Alto approach is based on a core principle : the problem does not lie solely within the individual, but in the relationships they maintain with others. What creates roadblocks are not necessarily the facts themselves, but the attempted solutions that become repetitive or even worsen the situation.
By changing the way we interact, we also change how we feel and how we behave. It’s a practical, empowering, and above all, non-blaming approach.
A method taking toot in Europe
In 1987, the Gregory Bateson Institute (IGB) was founded in Liège, Belgium, by Jean-Jacques Wittezaele, who was trained by pioneers of the Mental Research Institute (MRI). To this day, the IGB is the only center officially accredited by the MRI in the entire French-speaking world.
Communication psychology in action
In the 1960s and 70s, Paul Watzlawick and his colleagues developed what is now called communication psychology. This approach studies how people build their perception of reality, interact with each other, and engage with their environment. It highlights the central role of beliefs, emotions, and behaviors in human relationships.
Brief therapy is built on this foundation. Its aim is to unlock stuck situations quickly and effectively—without years of analysis.
Why this approach is more relevant than ever
With the rise of issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout, more and more people are looking for fast, accessible, and effective solutions. The Palo Alto method responds precisely to this need. It is now used not only in individual therapy but also in professional settings.
It can help to:
quickly relieve relational tensions,
prevent burnout,
improve self-confidence,
and deal with complex situations without being trapped in analyzing the past.
Conclusion
This innovative vision is the foundation of Hello Palo. By combining the power of artificial intelligence with the richness of the Palo Alto method, we’ve created a therapeutic coach accessible to everyone, at any time.
Our mission is simple: to help people—whether in their personal lives or at work—break free from relational or emotional blocks through targeted conversations and practical tasks, inspired by an approach that has already improved the lives of millions.
