ABSTRACT
Families with problems repeat the same interaction over and over. It is as if they have a set dance and each family will `dance their dance' if given the opportunity to do so. For each problem they will have developed, over time, a particular way of dealing with each other. Each will have their own assigned roles and each will play it to the full whenever the sequence is started. When these patterns occur within sessions they can result in family members feeling that the whole process is hopeless and hence when they occur repeatedly they can seriously undermine the therapy. In essence the therapist's task is to stop the repetitive process and then analyse what happens in terms of interactions and associated feelings/thoughts. The therapist should then explore some alternative ways of considering that particular interactive event.
