Residential mobility and the family context: A developmental approach

The goal of this study was to examine the links between residential mobility and the family context, whether these links varied across developmental periods (early childhood, middle childhood, or adolescence), and how they were associated with children's achievement and behavioral outcomes. Longitudinal data from a diverse sample of over 1000 U.S. children were used to explore family structure (marital and employment change), process (quality of the home and maternal sensitivity and depression), and residential mobility. Results of structural equation models indicated that associations between residential mobility and family structure and process varied across developmental periods, with significant links found for family process in early childhood and structure in middle childhood and adolescence. We found evidence of indirect associations between residential mobility and children's outcomes through family process in early childhood and of a direct association with internalizing behaviors in adolescence. We provide implications for programs and policies for residentially mobile children.     

Child and family therapy: A collaborative approach

Abstract

When a child is the identified patient, people often expect individual sessions to be a part of treatment. Yet, family therapists routinely violate this expectation by working with children solely in the context of the family. This article discusses how the therapeutic process can be facilitated by conducting at least a small number of individual sessions with children. Such behavior by the therapist communicates to children, parents, and involved referral sources a respect for their opinions and lays the groundwork for cooperation. The advantages and disadvantages of such an approach are discussed.     

A developmental perspective on the use of metaphors in family therapy

Because families generally consist of individuals at various developmental levels, family therapists require interventions that are effective regardless of an individual's developmental status. Although metaphor has proven particularly beneficial in therapy, it may be ineffective in families with preschool children who have yet developed sufficient cognitive capacities and knowledge for understanding metaphors. Previewing, a prospective technique derived from interaction between parent and infant, may be used for communicating metaphors about future change to individuals regardless of developmental level. Previewing provides knowledge about development and stimulates the cognitive skills necessary for viewing the present as a metaphor for the future.     

Gestalt approach to family therapy

Abstract

Gestalt psychotherapy is presented as a synthesis of a number of psychological traditions. Two particular techniques are described in detail: the empty chair technique which is a strategy that focuses on the parents' internalized object relations which are played out between themselves and with their children; and the Gestalt experiment which is a strategy that focuses on the contact boundaries between family members.     

A behavioural and systems approach to family therapy: a position paper

An integrated model of a behavioural and systems approach to family therapy is presented, the main premise being that family interactions are affected by reciprocal determination of cognitions, feelings and behaviours in relation to the environment. Assessment involves a systematic exploration of the interaction and transactional patterns within the family, and the identification of the dysfunctional aspects of such patterns. The main aim of the intervention is to produce change in family behaviour by addressing the important cognitive and affective issues. This entails techniques such as cognitive restructuring, social modelling and operant conditioning which can be used separately, in parallel, or in combination. Whether one or more of these techniques is used depends on the nature of the family's problems and the aims of treatment.     

Selective mutism in children: A structural family therapy approach to treatment

When children refuse to speak in some social settings, but can understand and speak in other settings, the diagnosis of selective mutism must be considered. A review of the literature describes the disorder, the various types of mutism, and related family dynamics. A family systems approach to treatment using structural family therapy is suggested. The case history presented illustrates one type of mutism as well as the family rules and hierarchy which appeared to be maintaining it. Structural and strategic family systems theory techniques that were used to move the family toward resolution of this problem are discussed.Diane Wolf Tatem, MA, MS, completed graduate work in marriage and family therapy at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. She is employed at Life Management Center of El Paso's Child Development Services and also has a private practice in marriage and family therapy in El Paso, Texas. Robert L. DelCampo, PhD is a professor of family science at New Mexico State University and maintains a private practice with Associates for Marriage and Family Therapy in Las Cruces, NM. Please address all correspondence to Dr. DelCampo at Box 3470, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-3470.Appreciation is expressed to Dr. Charles Huber, New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, for his insightful critique of the final draft of this paper. This paper was presented at the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference, January 25–29, 1995 in Dallas, TX.     

Spirals and circles: potential contributions of developmental psychology to family therapy

Developmental psychology offers much of value to family therapists in both its concepts and its information about child and adult development. Current work is reviewed selectively to emphasize those aspects which are most relevant for family work. The material is organized under five headings: 'Theories'; 'Major current issues'; 'Developing capabilities'; 'Developmental tasks'; and 'Current trends'. Abnormal development and childhood psychopathology have largely been excluded as these constitute rather separate areas. References have been chosen to provide useful background as well as to extend the specific points being made.     

Young Asian children with learning and behaviour problems: A family therapy approach

The paper describes work with five Asian families. The children were failing and showing signs of behavioural disturbance at infant or junior school, and it was felt that this could be due to family psychopathology. Communication with the adults presented some difficulty to the therapist, and there was the additional problem of distinguishing between those patterns of behaviour which were pathological and those which were merely unfamiliar. The approach used was pragmatic and based on the assumption that there is sufficient 'psychic unity' between people of different cultural backgrounds to be used therapeutically, even when communication is difficult.     

Applying developmental previewing to the principles of family therapy

This paper discusses the application of principles of infant psychiatry to the diagnosis and treatment of multigenerational family conflict. Using a technique referred to as previewing, the therapist can focus on the interpersonal meaning that the infant's development precipitates in the family and determine how the parents' relationships with the infant replicate their relationships with their own families of origin. The therapist may then use these insights for overcoming conflict and for acclimating parents to new developmental skills in an optimal manner. Specific suggestions for how parents may promote more adaptive patterns of interaction with the infant using previewing are offered.     

Selecting marriage and family therapy program applicants: One approach

Abstract

Brigham Young University uses a unique approach to select applicants to the master's and doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy. Traditional methods are augmented by the use of a highly reliable interaction-analysis instrument, a microcomputer, and a large computer frame to analyze the verbal interaction of applicants who conduct therapy with coached couples. Interactions of an accepted and a rejected applicant are compared.     

A structured approach to disengagement in family therapy with child-focused problems

The aim of this paper is to describe a structured approach to managing the disengagement process. Six distinct disengagement scenarios are first outlined. Thereafter, phasing out therapy, dealing with family belief systems concerning the permanence of improvements and relapse management are discussed. Ways in which disengagement from specific episodes of therapy may be construed as part of an ongoing therapeutic relationship and the practicalities of recontracting for further episodes of therapy, handing over cases, and referring cases on to other professionals are considered. An approach to therapeutic failure analysis is presented. Finally, ways in which disengagement may lead to significant loss experiences are discussed.     

A humanistic developmental model of counselling: A psycho-educational approach

A developmental model of counselling, based on humanistic principals of psychological functioning, is proposed. A psycho-educational approach, in which counsellors are seen as helping clients develop skills rather than solve problems, is discussed. The counselling model involves three stages: exploration, intervention and empowering. The intervention stage includes techniques focused on affect, behaviour or cognition, as suggested by the ABC model of personal change described in the paper.     

Wilderness family therapy: An innovative treatment approach for problem youth

We present a treatment program (The Family Wheel) designed to integrate wilderness therapy interventions with family therapy for the treatment of troubled adolescents. The Family Wheel program was conducted in the high desert of southern Idaho. Participation in this four-day program required parents and their adolescent children to engage in an intensive experiential family therapy while camping and trekking in the wilderness. An evaluation of the program revealed positive outcomes for the programs' participants. The theory, research, and pragmatics of conducting such an innovative program are discussed.