Focal family therapy: theory and practice.
During the past 30 years, the prescription of neuroleptic medication has made a major impact on the treatment of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Nonetheless, for many patients, symptom remission and social functioning remain less than optimal. Consequently, clinicians have employed a combined approach of drugs, psychosocial therapies, and psychiatric rehabilitation to treat the range of deficits presented by individuals suffering with this illness. In this article, we describe Focal Family Therapy, a model of family therapy developed for working with families and patients who are struggling with schizophrenia. Using the example of a particular case, we illustrate the following: (a) the identification and formulation of the Focal Issue; (b) the targeting of behavior and attitudes that will constitute the Focal Change; and (c) the techniques of Focal Family Therapy.
Levene
J E
JE
Continuing Care Division, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Newman
F
F
Jeffries
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012944:Social Support