Structural family therapy in chronic illness: Intervention can help produce a more adaptive family structure

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-1987

Journal

Psychosomatics

Volume

28

Issue

4

DOI

10.1016/S0033-3182(87)72544-4

Abstract

A strong argument can be made that the family rather than the individual patient is the appropriate unit of treatment for the repercussions of chronic illness. Family structures can be assessed in the light of boundaries, hierarchy, alliances and coalitions, and repetitive behavioral sequences organized around the symptom, so as to enable the family therapist to design appropriate interventions. Specific examples are presented to illuminate this approach. At best, the chronically ill patient can be freed of considerable emotional suffering even when the illness cannot be cured. © 2011, The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS