Abstract
A number of basic engagement techniques in family therapy are identified and illustrated. These include (1) techniques that enable the therapist to achieve a position of influence with family members or to gain entry into the family system, (2) techniques utilized in teaching the family how to behave in the therapy setting, and (3) the tactics the therapist may use to manage difficult moments in the session. Issues in the relationship between technique and the theory and practice of family intervention are also examined.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alexander, J., Barton, C., Schiavo, R.S. & Parsons, B.V. Systems-behavioral intervention with families of delinquents; therapist characteristics, family behavior and outcome.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1976,44, 656–664.
Aponte, H.J. Diagnosis in family therapy. In C.B. Germain (Ed.),Social work practice: People and environments. New York: Columbia University Press, 1979.
Bandler, R., Grinder, J. & Satir, V.Changing with families, Vol. 1. Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books, 1976.
Beck, D.F., & Jones, M.A.Progress on family problems. New York: Family Service Association of America, 1973.
Brehm, S.S.Social psychology and clinical practice. New York: Wiley, 1975.
Frank, J.D. Expectation and therapeutic outcome — the placebo effect and the role induction interview. In J.D. Frank, R. Hoehn-Saric, S.D. Imber, B.L. Liberman, and A.R. Stone (Eds.),Effective ingredients of successful psychotherapy. New York. Brunner/Mazel, 1978.
Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.Treatment of families in conflict. New York: Science House, 1970.
Gurman, A.S., & Kniskern, D.P. Research on marital and family therapy: Progress, perspective, and prospect. In S.L. Garfield and A.E. Bergin (eds.),Handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change: An empirical analysis (2nd Ed.). New York: Wiley, 1978.
Haley, J.,Problem-solving therapy. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1976.
Haley, J.Uncommon therapy. New York: Norton, 1973.
Haley, J., & Hoffman, L.Techniques of family therapy. New York: Basic Books, 1967.
Langsley, D.G., & Kaplan, D.M.The treatment of families in crisis. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1968.
Lantz, J.E.Family and marital therapy: A transactional approach, New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1978.
Lennard, H.G., & Bernstein, A.The anatomy of psychotherapy. New York: Columbia University Press, 1960.
Maluccio, A.N.Learning from clients. New York: Free Press, 1979.
Miller, W.H.Systematic parent training, Champaign, IL: Research Press, 1975.
Minuchin, S.Families and family therapy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1974.
Minuchin, S., Montalvo, B., Guerney, B., Rosman, B., & Schumer, F.Families of the slums. New York: Basic Books, 1967.
Minuchin, S., Rosman, B., & Baker, L.Psychosomatic families: Anorexia nervosa in context. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1978.
Napier, A.Y., & Whitaker, C.A.The family crucible. New York: Harper & Row, 1978.
Perez, J. F.Family counseling: Theory and practice. New York: Van Nostrand, 1979.
Postner, R., Guttman, H., Sigal, H., Epstein, N., & Rakoff, V. Process and outcome in conjoint family therapy.Family Process, 1971,10, 451–473.
Sager, C.J., Brayboy, T.L., & Waxenberg, B.R.Black ghetto family in therapy. New York: Grove Press, 1970.
Schilling, S.M., & Gross, E. Stages of family therapy: A developmental model.Clinical Social Work Journal, 1979,7, 105–112.
Shapiro, R., & Budman, S. Defection, termination and continuation in family and individual therapy.Family Process, 1973,12, 55–67.
Strupp, H.S., Fox R.F., & Lessler, K.N.Patients view their psychotherapy. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1969.
Waxenberg, B.R. Therapist's empathy, regard, and genuineness as factors in staying in or dropping out of short-term, time-limited family therapy. Dissertation Abstracts International, 1973,34, 1288B.
Zuk, G.H. Values and family therapy.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 1978,15, 48–55.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
A videotape (Wells, R.A., & Page, M.H.Engaging the Family in the Helping Process: Basic Techniques. Pittsburgh, PA: UIRC, 1979) is available from the author. Discussion with such colleagues as Patrick McNamee, Larry Pacoe, Mary Page, and Susan Schilling has been invaluable.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wells, R.A. Engagement techniques in family therapy. International Journal of Family Therapy 2, 75–94 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00924456
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00924456