Different approaches to treatment of the child and the parents.

Abstract

The traditional approach of separate and individualized treatment of the child and parents is still practically the only approach used in many psychiatric clinics for children, in many other related agencies and in private practice. The authors challenge the validity of this state of affairs. Seven major treatment approaches and the criteria for their selective application—including the traditional ones—are described. The paper traces the historical development of the traditional approach and the current trends toward diversification. The authors' philosophy underlying the different approaches is outlined.

Family therapy: A review.

“…The term "family therapy" has been used to refer to a variety of techniques and practices often having little in common. For example, Cutter and Hallowitz (1962) described seven treatment approaches prevalent in child-clinical settings. Each of these, with the exception of the situation in which the child alone receives treatment, has sometimes been called "family therapy."…”

Schizophrenia and Symbolic Interactionism

“…To cite a typical approach, a pair of recent papers not only advocated the treatment of children and parents together, but also went on to recommend seven treatment avenues to these parents and their children (3,4). Many families hold together on the basis of communication ties that produce a schizophrenic member.…”

“…Treatment of schizophrenics becomes treatment of the family in which he resides. To cite a typical approach, a pair of recent papers not only advocated the treatment of children and parents together, but also went on to recommend seven treatment avenues to these parents and their children (3,4). The over-all view taken by family therapists is that the schizophrenic in treatment bears with him an inventory of cognitions and perceptions concerning his family, that each of these stored cognitions and perceptions are charged with affect, and that they are, therefore, strongly instrumental in his existing behavior.…”