Research & clinical exchange

Convening the family is the first crucial step, and often one of the most difficult ones in family therapy. The therapist wants to establish positive rapport with the contacting family member and, at the same time, set the stage for the subsequent family meeting. With what attitude and preparation should the therapist approach this initial contact? How can information about the family’s problem most effectively be gathered from this person? What kind of resistances are likely to be encountered in requesting the family’s presence, and how can the therapist successfully respond to them? Finally, what specific conditions must be agreed to in order to properly arrange a family evaluation?.