Multifamily Groups in the Treatment of Severe Psychiatric Disorders [Paperback]

This volume presents a proven psychoeducational therapy approach for persons with severe mental illness and their families. Pioneering schizophrenia treatment developer William R. McFarlane first lays out the theoretical and empirical foundations of the multifamily model. Chapters coauthored with other leading clinician-researchers then provide detailed how-to instructions for forming groups; implementing educational and problem-solving interventions; managing clinical, relationship, and functional issues that may arise; and integrating psychoeducation with other forms of treatment. Also addressed are applications of the model--some described here for the first time--to a variety of disorders other than schizophrenia, including bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and medical illness.

“I use this book as the primary text in a class for master’s-degree-seeking students who are preparing to work collaboratively in primary care medical settings. The book provides an excellent resource for these students, who need models of treatments that can harness the power of the family system and the social network in helping patients and families manage chronic and severe psychiatric conditions. Detailed, concise, and easily understandable, this book represents the state of the art in evidence-based practice.”--Richard J. Bischoff, PhD, Director, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

William R. McFarlane has known for more than three decades that families have the power to deal with problems caused by a member struggling with serious mental illness. He developed multifamily groups as the tool to harness this power. Multifamily groups are opportunities for family members to swap information and share support, so that all involved can withstand the challenges of psychiatric disability. In this single authoritative book, McFarlane and his colleaguesls!