[Externalizing the problem--a method in psychiatric treatment]

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Therapeutic Methods

Background:

• Michael White, an Australian family therapist, developed externalizing the problem.
• This method involves giving problems linguistic designations to separate them from a patient's identity.

Observation:

• The patient and family engage in dialogue about the problem's effects.
• Strategies are developed to overcome the externalized problem, referred to as 'the problem tyrant'.

Findings:

• The authors applied Michael White's methods to various psychiatric issues.
• The paper details the theory and presents clinical examples of its application.

Implications:

• This therapeutic approach offers a novel way to address psychiatric problems.
• Externalizing the problem may enhance patient and family coping mechanisms.