Families experiencing severe conflict are often unable to effectively implement applied behavioral procedures due to interfering emotional responses (anger, blaming, anxiety and depression) and behavioral responses (yelling, crying and physical fighting), which often reduce effective implementation of applied behavioral procedures. Specific criteria for determining when it is advisable to implement cognitive behavioral procedures prior to the implementation of applied behavioral procedures is discussed. An introduction to a cognitive behavioral framework as the initial step in reducing family dysfunction is presented. Specific cognitive behavioral responses are pinpointed as being critical for more effective family functioning and for increased efficacy of implementation of applied behavioral procedures. The specific procedures in integrating a cognitive behavioral/applied behavioral clinical package are discussed. The basic sequence and presentation of integrating cognitive behavioral and applied behavioral techniques with families is presented. Several examples and descriptions of this integration are provided. (Author/BMW)