ABSTRACT
Kevin Murphy was a manipulative but likeable 17-year-old in trouble. He had recently totaled the family car while driving drunk. A search of his school locker turned up marijuana and barbiturates. Kevin was already on probation for shoplifting. His parents initiated family therapy because they were informed that, if they refused, Kevin would be expelled from school. Also, therapy was mandated by the court as a condition of probation.
Still, Kevin made light of his misconduct and involvement with alcohol and drugs, and blamed others for his troubles. He usually had several beers with his father in the evening. He resented his mother “trying to run” his life and attempted to undercut her. Kevin had a 12-year-old brother, David, who did well in school. It was Kevin who seemed to drain his parents of their energy and resolve. However, as toe shall see, Kevin's family played a role in inadvertently maintaining his substance abuse and misbehavior. With professional help, Kevin's family was able to learn to provide the context for positive change to occur.
