Goals of Family Therapy*

Abstract

A review of family therapy goals is presented and discussed. Therapy goals are divided into two major categories: 1) Specific Goals for Specific Families; and 2) General Goals. The latter category is further divided into goals having to do with family interaction and those related to symptoms and character traits of individual family members. Familial and individual goals are discussed in relation to the concept of interrelated, hierarchically arranged systems.

Integrating pediatric obesity treatment into clinical practice.

“…Although families may be eager to begin treatment, the pace and thoroughness of the evaluation and goal-setting processes may be their first exposure to effective problem-solving. In addition, when approached collaboratively, specifying objectives can enhance the motivation of child and parents, improve family communication and coping, and decrease oppositional dynamics (Feldman, 1976; Fox, 1987).…”