Clinical applications of the Process Model of Family Functioning

This paper discusses clinical applications of the Process Model of Family Functioning. It provides a framework for conducting and systematically recording a family assessment, and can help clinicians achieve and use improved control of clinical sessions to increase their diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. Ways of using FAM-III, a self-report test derived from the model, to confirm or amplify a clinical assessment and to assist or monitor therapeutic interventions are discussed. Viewing psychological and family systems theories as complementary, the model provides a rationale for integrating both sets of theories to achieve a more pluralistic view of pathogenesis and a more selective choice of therapies. An extended example illustrates the concurrent use of individual and family therapies. Other topics discussed include the role of family strengths, the derivation of therapeutic goals, moving from content to perceive underlying structure and process, making the conceptual shift from group-of-two to conceptualizing the family as a group (system) in equilibrium.