A STRATEGIC SYSTEMIC APPROACH TO RESIDENTIAL-TREATMENT

The systemic orientation to psychological treatment has been predomina ntly associated with the family therapy movement. Recently, however, p ractitioners have been experimenting with the use of strategic/systemi c methods in a variety of settings. This paper provides a description of an adolescent treatment home that has developed a strategic/systemi c approach to residential care. Four specific issues are presented whi ch clearly demonstrate the challenge of providing effective residentia l treatment from a systemic perspective. Solutions to these identified issues are suggested and case examples are provided. The role of the family therapist in the residential treatment context is also describe d.