ABSTRACT
Effective communication is essential to positive relational functioning. Yet, many families and couples present in group therapy with communication and attending problems as a top complaint. Parents say their children ignore their instructions or talk back. Couples detail argument after argument which obstructs their relationship. Most families and couples in group therapy would agree they want to change their communication patterns. Positive family communication has been associated with a number of positive outcomes for children, including increased life satisfaction and positive youth development and improved adolescent role-taking ability and identity formation. There is a number of parenting education courses that include communication training, including Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) and the Strengthening Families Program. The therapist should encourage parents and children to use constructive communication skills throughout the week and report back on their progress.
