Managing Stress in Families: Cognitive and Behavioural Strategies for Enhancing Coping Skills (STRATEGIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH)

"Managing Stress in Families" deals with the treatment of major mental disorders in the community. The authors provide a rationale for the use of stress management approaches, and describe in detail the methods employed in the application of such strategies in practice. They show what therapist skills are required in order to employ these interventions, and engage all members of a household in treatment. The authors have long experience in working with families in community settings, and particular expertise in the more severe anxiety disorders. Their material is based on research drawn from a wide variety of areas, from schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, to childhood conduct disorders and autism. Individual chapters deal with issues such as education of family members, communication skills, how to help individuals work towards their own goals in life, and what to do in a crisis situation. The step-by-step descriptions of strategies and techniques provide a clear picture of practice in therapy sessions. Also included are copies of assessment interviews and an annotated bibliography of educational handbooks, as well as case studies.