Describes technique of in-therapy consultation used in symbolic-experiential psychotherapy. Presents the rationale behind the technique followed by a description of the stages used in the intervention: history taking, structuring, trial of labor, and termination. Discusses the need for research to validate empirically the utility of the…

Interview with Michael F. Hoyt, a noted figure in the worlds of brief therapy and managed care. He discusses issues regarding brief therapy, some of the promises and problems of managed care, and several likely future trends and their implications for marital and family therapists. (MKA)

The conference, titled "Exploration of Narcissism in Group and Family Therapy," included theoretical and clinical papers, demonstrations of group and family therapy, and small discussion groups after the demonstrations. Papers presented at the conference, along with the discussion, are presented here. (Author)

After reporting on the outcomes of nonbehavioral family therapies, Wells and Dezen analyze, criticize, and suggest the single-case experimental design. Gurman and Kniskern question their criteria in studying the outcomes of family therapy. Wells and Dezen then discuss relationship factors, suitability of criteria, and objective change measures.…

Highlights role of the therapist in family therapy impasses involving interactions of the client-family and the therapist. Asserts that the essence of the therapist's role in impasses is ignorance and fear and recommends that family therapy teachers help therapists develop wisdom and courage. (Author/NB)

Redefines the role of family therapy in terms of the reemergence of the medical model in psychiatry. In this biopsychosocial model the goal of family therapy is defined as the achievement of socialization. Describes the goals of psychotherapy, sociotherapy, and biotherapy and suggests they are combined in family therapy. (Author/JAC)

Discusses engagement techniques including: (1) techniques enabling therapists to achieve influence with family members or entry into the family system; (2) techniques utilized in teaching the family how to behave in the therapy setting; and (3) tactics therapists may use to manage difficult moments in the session. (Author)

Therapists responded to a videotaped simulated family as if they were treating it. Positive relationships were found between the ratings of expertise based on the coding system, and between independent ratings of the treated families' satisfaction with treatment and the status of the presenting symptoms six months after termination. (Author)

A clinical setting was used to evaluate therapist characteristics, therapist process, and family process in a short-term systems-behavioral model of family intervention. Families were designated by one of four degrees of therapy outcome. The data suggest that therapist relationship skills may be crucial determinants of therapy success. (Author)

Defines terms and operations of Zuk's Go-between Process, in which the therapist manages roles of go-between, side-taker, or celebrant in family therapy interviews. This technique is contrasted with Structural-Strategic Family Therapy in which supervisors phone instructions to trainees while observing through a one-way mirror. (JAC)

Reviews the significance of accreditation in marital and family therapy and the role of the Committee on Accreditation of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Accreditation of educational and training facilities through a sound process can facilitate development and maintenance of quality preparation. Accredited programs are…

This discussion of family therapy of sexual abuse survivors addresses the role of therapist countertransference in the treatment process. It is contended that attitudes toward family members and political, moral, and institutional beliefs undergird therapists' countertransference reactions, and consequently underlie interventions. (Author/DB)

Uses a case study to show how a therapist can help a family by breaking their loops of preferential behaviors. Describes a systemic approach that helps prevent families from using the same feedback loops that lead to dead-ends in their behavior. (JAC)

Presents a model of therapy called "system therapy." Discussed epistemology, some basic concepts, stages of the therapeutic process, and the training of system therapists. Proposes and defines a therapeutic system. (Author)