ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on efforts to enhance generic problem solving and goal achievement and describes methods to manage more specific stresses. It explains how a range of interpersonal communication skills provides a foundation for efficient pinpointing of specific stresses and personal goals. An effective assessment provides the therapist with a preliminary guide to the strengths and weaknesses of the family unit’s problem-solving functions. Many households demonstrate competent skills when they merely follow the guidelines provided on the worksheets during the introductory session, and attempt to employ the six-step approach to resolve a straightforward problem. Enhancing the efficiency of the problem-solving functions of all members of a household is the key to the family-based approach to stress management. The therapist coaches the participants to structure weekly meetings where they use a straightforward method to discuss their stresses in dealing with their problems and in achieving their personal goals in an organized way.
