Although coaching clients about managing difficult family relationships is a part of most therapy, the techniques for this work are not widely understood. This workshop teaches a process of coaching originated by Murray Bowen and elaborated by Monica McGoldrick and Betty Carter. In this process, clients are coached on how to observe and understand the relationship patterns in their original family, explore their role in these patterns, and to move toward changing their part in the family dance.

The workshop begins with a discussion of the family systems concepts underpinning the approach and addresses such questions as the use of ‘layman’s language’; the sequence of ‘steps’ needed to affect change; common obstacles and dilemmas; cultural differences in family relationship patterns; the impact on family relationships of socio-economic factors and the experiences of marginalized groups; heightened risks and opportunities for change at points of life transitions such as marriage, birth of children, divorce and death; and the uses and risks of letter writing and e-mail communication. Case illustrations will be included, and discussion of participants’ cases is invited.

Faculty: Richard A. Johnson, PhD, LCSW, Ackerman Alumna; Teacher, Supervisor, Columbia School of Social Work, NYU Child Study Center, JCCA, and Ackerman Institute.

Date: Friday, March 7, 2008
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Tuition: $115
CE Credits: 5

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