Families often believe that certain family members cannot acknowledge an illness or its emotional consequences. Decisions are made to withhold diagnoses, medical information and emotional responses. Family relationships become fraught with tensions connected to the unspoken, and family members become more distant or caught up in the escalating conflict.

In this workshop, we will examine intergenerational beliefs and practices as well as cultural differences in families facing illness, and present ways to enable families to open up conversations effectively and safely. We will distinguish between problematic pre-illness family patterns and beliefs that are exacerbated by illness and those that arise in response to illness. Participants will have an opportunity to witness families struggling with a range of serious illnesses, such as juvenile diabetes, cancer, lupus and sickle cell disease. Working methods will include couple and family therapy and the multiple family discussion group.

Faculty: Evan Imber-Black, PhD, Faculty, Director, Center for Families and Health, Ackerman Institute; Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; editor, Family Process; author, The Secret Life of Families; co-author, Rituals for Our Times: Celebrating, Healing and Changing Our Lives and Relationships; Lisa Lavelle, LCSW, Faculty, Assistant Director, Center for Families and Health, Ackerman Institute.

Date: Friday, May 2, 2008
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Tuition: $115
CE Credits: 5

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