Emerging Family Therapy Models Utilized in Residential Settings
Abstract
This chapter provides a synthesis of the research that is focused on family therapy interventions and outcomes in residential settings that treat adolescents. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted, there remains a significant gap since the research in residential treatment has been focused at the program level, and the field has not yet identified specific family therapy approaches that demonstrate efficacy in this particular setting. This chapter’s review focuses on the past ten years and will highlight the emerging family therapy models being utilized in this setting. The most prevalent models include multiple-family group intervention, family-directed structural therapy, narrative family therapy, and experiential therapy. The chapter will also include a discussion of three major well-established theoretical approaches that show promise in treating youth and families in the complex setting of residential treatment. These three approaches are brief strategic family therapy,multisystemic therapy, and functional family therapy. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of conducting research in residential treatment, recommendations for clinicians working in this setting, and future directions for research.
Keywords
Adolescents Conduct disorder Residential treatment Family therapy Multiple-family group intervention Family-directed structural therapy Narrative family therapy Experiential therapy Brief strategic family therapy Multisystemic therapy Structural family therapy Functional family therapyReferences
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