Failure in family therapy: a catalogue of engagement mistakes

Abstract

Eleven key positions within the social system which evolves around a presenting problem are set out. A catalogue ofcommon mistakes which arise from failing to distinguish betwren these elements and take account oftheir significance during the engagement process is presented, along with specific suggestions for avoiding these clinical errors.

Evidence-Based Solutions for Overcoming Access Barriers, Decreasing Attrition, and Promoting Change With Underserved Families.

“…There is a plethora of suggested strategies for facilitating engagement and creating a strong mesosystem between the activity in the clinic and the home environment. For example, Stanton and Todd (1981) defined 20 principles and techniques for recruiting and engaging “resistant” families, and Carr (1990) described a catalogue of engagement mistakes. However, empirical investigations of these suggested strategies are sparse.…”

Involving Children in Family Therapy and Systemic Consultation

“…In complex multiproblem cases, especially if there is multiagency involvement , there is a danger that the child's voice will become lost in the complexities of the problem determined system (Carr, 1990b(Carr, , 1990cCarr et al, 1989). This is often true of cases involving child abuse, foster care, parental criminality or psychiatric difficulties, bereavement, hospitalisation or special education.…”

Audit and family systems consultation: evaluation of practice at a child and family centre

“…Following the intake consultation, a preliminary family formulation was drawn up and a plan for further involvement established, if this was required. One approach that we used in formulating family problems, and some case examples, are described elsewhere (Carr, 1990b).…”