This chapter addresses questions about the utility of family work as a separate discipline distinct from other helping professions. Empirical evidence is presented that supports the effectiveness of family involvement in treating childhood and school problems, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, physical health problems,…

This chapter discusses the development of an approach to counseling that allows counselors to incorporate family counseling into their individual counseling practices. The six-stage counseling process that is presented draws upon a broad-based behavior therapy/social learning theory approach. The stages of this process are identified as: establish…

Presents interview with behavioral ecologist who discusses program concepts for stepfamily dysfunction. Four predictions which focus on stepfamily dynamics are: (1) expect greater conflict in stepfamily environments; (2) understand evolutionary basis of emotions; (3) anticipate flash points of family conflict; and (4) alter criteria for choosing…

Counselors whose specialty is marriage and family counseling develop a theoretical and research base and acquire countless hours of experience upon which to base their interventions. Most counselors and other helping professionals whose specialty is in another area do as well as they can lacking specific theoretical concepts and experience from…