ERIC Number: ED229688
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1982-Mar
Pages: 26
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Working with Chronically Dysfunctional Families.
Younger, Robert; And Others
This paper reviews family therapy with chronically dysfunctional families including the development of family therapy and current trends which appear to give little guidance toward working with severely dysfunctional families. A theoretical stance based upon the systems approach to family functioning and pathology is presented which suggests: (1) seeing the family conjointly; (2) surrendering the belief that no change is possible; (3) taking risks; (4) developing creative interventions; (5) allowing families to maintain some symptoms; (6) working with resistance rather than against it; (7) engaging the strongest family members to initiate change; and (8) accepting as success whatever changes occur. These points are illustrated with anecdotal material drawn from both inpatients and outpatients in a major medical complex. (Author/AG)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A