ABSTRACT
The main aim of communication training in behavioural family therapy is to enable the household group to meet together on a weekly basis and to hold a constructive discussion about issues of major concern to one or more of the participants. Although some skills training may be assisted by videotaped feedback procedures, it has been experience that such feedback often distracts people from the key communication issues to matters of their appearance, tone of voice, etc. The added benefits seem outweighed by these matters, as well as by the time expended in setting up the equipment and dealing with technical hitches. The goal of communication training is to enhance participants’ abilities to communicate about mutual problems and goals with each other in the household environment, particularly at times of stress. However, repression is seldom possible and strong emotions are released either in dramatic outbursts, through indirect expression, such as nagging or withdrawal of affection, or possibly in pathophysiological disorders.
