title: Counselling the disturbed family.
abstract: The article begins by considering the various ways in which behavioural and psychological problems may be present in a family setting. Three broad areas where such problems may arise are considered. These are; firstly, interpersonal relationship difficulties within the family system as a whole; secondly, where one family member is selected as a 'symptom bearer', and thirdly, where some form of family crisis arises. A rationale for treating these problems is presented; the ultimate goal being that the persons concerned learn new skills so that they themselves can cope with their difficulties.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*