The active role of the family therapist

Abstract

In this chapter we shall discuss some very specific family therapy techniques that have been used with schizophrenic patients and their families. Some of these techniques have been specifically used by the author and other research associates of this demonstration project. Before discussing these specific techniques, however, it might be well to provide a brief background of general observations, concepts and therapeutic goals which have been found useful in family therapy. These general concepts of the family will be those which we have found to be working models, from the point of view of family therapy, rather than “global” concepts of “the family.” From this frame of reference we hope to lead into general therapeutic goals and finally to our main point of discussing the specific techniques used to carry out these goals.