Common myths of family feedback conferences

Diagnostic and assessment procedures are effective to the extent that they generate and motivate individuals and family members to seek recommended change, consultation, and treatment. There is always the potential that an excellent diagnostic process may end in failure, if the family cannot be motivated to take the information seriously and follow through with recommendations. Well-intentioned clinicians have experienced various difficulties conducting family conferences in order to relate diagnostic information. These difficulties seem related to "myths" that clinicians sometimes fall victim to. The purpose of this paper is to review some of those myths and to question their validity. In doing so, it is anticipated that family conferences will be regarded as a significant event, commensurate with their importance in the total diagnostic and evaluative process.