ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the process of transition to Phase III, which involves determining an individual and family’s readiness to expand focus to other areas of developmental concern. A common issue is making sure the transition happens with awareness. Thus, we aim to help supervisors and clinicians hone in on specific goals they believe are most likely to support recovery, and how to identify and clarify these with the family. We highlight some typical areas of focus with this patient population. Dilemmas clinicians encounter in Phase III are also reviewed, and include addressing therapist and family comfort in talking about common issues arising during adolescence (e.g., sexual and romantic relationships, peer conflict, risk-taking behaviors). We provide a framework for engaging families in communication around these topic areas. Finally, this chapter focuses on the process of termination—how to engage the family in relapse prevention planning, saying good-bye, and the difficulties both families and clinicians face in this process of ending treatment.
