ABSTRACT
The purpose of the Observational Assessment phase and the role of the therapist during this phase of treatment are examined in this chapter. Using family case examples, the author discusses the clinical objectives of the Observational Assessment phase, types of play therapy and expressive arts interventions to use during this phase of treatment, and the focus of parent coaching sessions. Therapists need to begin assessing parents’ ability to use Family SPACE skills and their children’s responses to their parenting skills in order to assess attachment quality and family relationship patterns. Therapists will observe how family members regulate their emotions, and begin to assess each family member’s window of tolerance for emotional distress. The ability to effectively regulate emotions is critical to establishing safe relationships and managing life stressors. The therapy process will elicit uncomfortable emotions and experiences, so it will be important to assess windows of tolerance and interaction patterns.
