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X. Recent Developments in Family Therapy

Power Point presentation prepared by

Leslie Barnes-Young, PhD, Francis Marion University

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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003

Theorists, academics, and practitioners are writing

about:• The trend toward convergence

among theories.• The need for a model of

normal family functioning.– To help identify treatment goals

&– To distinguish what is working

from what needs to be changed.

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The growth of family therapy has been exponential!

• The broad goals of family therapy are to solve problems and reorganize families.

• Differences between approaches are more evident in theory than in practice.

• There has been vast cross-fertilization between models.

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Other developments include–

• Greater establishment of a professional identity as many states adopt licensure laws specific to the practice of marriage and family therapy.

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Developments cont.

• Greater awareness of therapists’ influence on families.

• Concomitant need to allow them their own self-determination.

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“Treating families isn’t only a matter of theory and technique, it’s an act of love.”

Nichols & Schwartz

“Through there experience of how you are with them, clients can experience themselves differently, thus planting the seeds of an alternative story.”

Becvar & Becvar

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2003

To find out more about recent developments in

family therapy–• Visit the American Academy of

Family Therapy

http://www.afta.org/

• The National Council on Family Relations

http://www.ncfr.com/