FAMILY-THERAPY AND OUTCOME - RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THERAPIST AND FAMILY STYLES

This study examined therapeutic outcome for a group of 175 clinic fami lies divided into levels of family competence and style, and, later, i nto seven clinical groupings. The division into these groups was based on the level of rated Competence and Style determined by using the Be avers Systems Model. Therapists also rated their level of Openness/Sha ring Strategy, Power Differential, and Partnership with the family at the third session. Results indicate that more competent families who f ared well in therapy had therapists who formed a partnership, disclose d strategy, and employed a minimal power differential with the family. The most disturbed families, and those with a Centrifugal style, did better with therapists employing a high power differential and lower l evels of openness and partnership. The study also presented the distri bution of individual diagnoses by family groups. Implications for fami ly therapists, including the value of family assessment, are provided.