ABSTRACT
This chapter explores family work in terms both of its diagnostic and its therapeutic potential. The role and influence of the family in relation to the difficulties being experienced by a child or an adolescent may vary widely and depend on many complex factors—both within the individual and within the family. Families in distress can be bewildered in their search for help; services may need to ponder the best way to intervene. Initial explorations can be useful. The father was a professional man, and the mother made jewellery at home. Shame in relation to the publicity which Ken's conviction had received locally had led the parents to seek a consultation at some distance. The therapist provides mental and emotional space for thinking about feelings in the family, in particular those of distress, conflict, or others that may in some way be felt to be unacceptable.
