Behavioral Techniques in Family-Oriented Crisis Intervention

Behavioral techniques in short-term family-oriented crisis intervention treatment are examined within the context of crisis theory and behavior modification. It is noted that both approaches emphasize the importance of environmental influences in developing and maintaining maladaptive behaviors. Methods for restructuring discordant family relationships through the use of particular behavioral techniques such as feedback, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, instructions, and behavioral contracts are outlined. Three case studies are presented to illustrate the therapeutic flexibility of these techniques with crisis-prone families. Not only are families helped with presenting complaints, but a major emphasis is placed on their learning more successful problem solving skills that are to be implemented in daily interactions.