ABSTRACT
This chapter presents descriptions of family interventions that are consistent with a cognitive-behavioral orientation. Clinicians and researchers have found these interventions to be successful with families of adolescent clients. Two major types of interventions will be discussed: Parent Skill Training, designed for individual sessions with either one or both parents and Family Therapy Interventions designed for family sessions attended by the adolescent, parents, and other family members. Parent Skill-Training Sessions is often difficult and inappropriate to address the parent's dysfunctional cognitions and inadequate childrearing techniques during the initial family sessions. Parents become defensive if their mistakes and weaknesses are pointed out in front of their children. Furthermore, effectiveness of family techniques is increased if the parents have had previous exposure, during separate parent-skill training sessions, to behavior analysis skills and alternative childrearing approaches. It describes several family interventions consistent with a cognitive-behavioral approach.
