Collaborative Therapy with Multi-Stressed Families: From Old Problems to New Futures

Abstract

This book offers an alternative approach to thinking about and working with multi-stressed families. Working from the conviction that clients are more than the difficulties in their lives, the author invites therapists to move away from trying to identify and correct old problems. Instead, he outlines a detailed framework for collaborating with family members to envision desired futures and develop new lives. Highlighting the importance of the therapist's relational stance, the book discusses how helpers can position themselves as appreciative allies in clients' lives. Guidelines are provided for conducting nonpathologizing assessments that promote attention to families' resources and abilities as well as their challenges. Ways to engage reluctant clients in treatment are demonstrated, with special attention to those families who may minimize difficulties or insist that one particular family member needs to be "fixed." Illustrated with case examples and client-therapist dialogues, chapters show how to implement interventions that elicit themes of competence, connection, hope, and vision. Other topics include helping clients develop communities of support; successfully collaborating with other helping professionals; and revisioning agency structures, procedures, and paperwork. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)