This digest briefly reviews theoretical models for counseling dysfunctional familes, then discusses the use of systems theory in counseling families. It lists the characteristics of a dysfunctional family, explains family systems intervention, discusses the goals of family treatment, and describes several family systems counseling techniques. (NB)

Explores the sociopolitical implications of the new epistemology and the Milan approach, concluding that, while second order cybernetics has greater potential to incorporate a radical social analysis, it has, nevertheless, failed to do so. The application of second order cybernetics in family therapy appears to be constrained by the sociopolitical…

Reviews the elements of constancy and the changes that have taken place in the training program of the 15-year-old Center for Family Learning (CFL) in Rye Brook, New York. Includes a discussion of historical and philosophical perspective, the structure of the training program, its theoretical approach, and the makeup of its faculty and student…

Presents an integrative definition of the therapeutic alliance that conceptualizes individual, couple and family therapy as occurring within the same systemic framework. The implications of this concept for therapy reserach are examined. Three new systematically oriented scales to measure the alliance are presented along with some preliminary data…

Several components must be reviewed when a clinician considers using an assessment instrument. Such components include: (1) the instrument's relevance to the presenting problem; (2) the normative data; (3) traditional psychometric principles; (4) social validity; and (5) usefulness to interventions. This study reviewed seven assessment instruments…

The family therapist performs specific activities associated with his functions as a therapist, consultant, and intermediary. The intermediary function is based upon concepts associated with symbolic interactionism. (Author)

Examines the maxim commonly held and generally supported in the divorce therapy literature that the preferred treatment in divorce therapy is individual counseling, and considers conjoint and family treatment as viable alternatives. Assesses how a therapist's theory of divorce therapy dictates the treatment unit adopted. (JAC)

Provides a model for categorizing marital and family skill training programs according to their theoretical orientation. Describes emotional, reasoning, and action approaches to intervention which allow counselors to examine the relationship between client characteristics and intervention approaches. (JAC)

The theories, techniques, and applications of interventions in social networks have multiplied in recent years. This paper traces significant clinical literature on networks, at the same time pointing out similarities with tribal healing in "primitive" societies. (Author)

Describes the necessity of including siblings in the treatment of victims of child sexual abuse. Theoretical and practical reasons to include siblings in treatment are discussed. Case examples using a particular intervention approach and results of client satisfaction surveys are described. (Contains 18 references.) (GCP)

Examines current research on publicly communicating one's sexual orientation and sexual identity formation models within the two prevalent theoretical orientations: essentialism and social constructionism. Aspects of both theories find support in the empirical literature reviewed. The discovery process is discussed and three coming-out audiences…

Multiple Family Group Therapy has been identified as a viable treatment model for a variety of client populations. A combination of family systems theories and therapeutic group factors provide the opportunity to explore multiple levels of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships between families. This article depicts a Multiple Family Group…

Examines Russell and Morrill's proposal to integrate rational-emotive therapy (RET) and systemic family therapy by combining RET's disputation and Mental Research Institute's reframing. Contrasts RET's disputation and Mental Research Institute's reframing across key clinical issues. Suggests that models combining these schools' techniques be…

Reviews and contrasts 23 interpersonal personality theory (IPT) and 19 relational control theory (RCT) studies of observable client-therapist interactions in brief individual and family therapy. Notes that, although results do not consistently confirm either model, evidence tends to support IPT in context of individual therapy and RCT in context…

Neil Jacobson is a leader in research-based efforts to improve behavioral couples therapy. This interview focuses on his professional journey toward an integrative model, as well as his thoughts about the future directions of behavioral therapy and family counseling. The integrative-couples therapy model is described and discussed. (Author/EMK)