Abstract
This article deals with the use and effectiveness of family therapy techniques, particularly structural and systems techniques, in working with the families of severely disturbed children in a day treatment setting. Case examples and a segment of an audiotape of one family demonstrating circular questioning will be included. The paradigm for dealing with these families is based on systems theory rather than a model of individual dynamics. I see the task of the future as solidifying of systems theory and skills and an integration of all that we have learned about individual dynamics and systems into a cohesive model for helping people.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bowen, M. (1978).Family therapy in clinical practaice. New York: Jason Aronson.
Haley, J. (1980).Leaving home: The therapy of disturbed young people. McGraw-Hill.
Minuchin, S., & Fishman, C. (1981).Family therapy techniques. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Minuchin, S., Montalvo, B., Guerney, B., Jr., Rosman, B., & Schumer, F. (1967).Families of the slums. New York: Basic Books.
Minuchin, S., Rosman, B., & Baker, L. (1978).Psychosomatic families; anorexia nervosa in context Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Palazzoli, M., Cecchin, G., Prata, G., & Boscolo, L. (1980). Hypothesizing-circularity-neutrality: Three guidelines for the coordinator of the session,Family Process, 19, 3–11.
Palazzoli, M., Cecchin, G., Prata, G., & Boscolo L. (1978).Paradox and counterparadox: A new model in the therapy of the family in schizophrenic transaction. New York: Jason Aronson.
Papp, P. (1977). The family that had all the answers, In Papp, P. (Ed.),Family therapy: Full length case studies (pp. 143–165). New York: Gardner Press.
Penn, P. (1982). Circular questioning,Family Process 21, 267–280.
Saari, C. (1983). On the place of reality in social work and psychoanalytic theory.Clinical Social Work Journal, 2, 7–21.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Presented to the NASW Symposium in Washington, D.C., November 22, 1983, under the title “Family Therapy in a Children's Day Treatment Setting”. The author acknowledges appreciation to the staff of the Seattle Children's Home Day Treatment Program, whose case material is presented; Liz Belniw, Phil Bohn, Randy Brandies, and Wanda Welch-Bresnick.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Burroughs, C.H. Working with families of severely disturbed children in a day treatment setting. Clin Soc Work J 13, 129–139 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755478
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755478