NETWORK

NETWORK FAMILY THERAPY

THEORISTS: ROSS SPECK AND CAROLYN ATTNEAVE

Network therapy is designed to help a family in crisis through utilization of the family’s social network and expanding treatment beyond the immediate family. Network therapy includes the social network of the family, i.e., friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. The theory is that the social network can provide more extensive resources and affect greater change than can one therapist working alone with a family.

GOAL

• To assist clients experiencing crisis by utilizing their extended social network (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers) as resources to direct the client towards a resolution of the presenting problem(s)

TERMS

• Retribalization
  • First phase of therapy

• The family provides the setting and calls the network together
  • The therapists explain the purpose and significance of including the client’s network

• Polarization
  • Second phase of therapy
  • The family presents its problems and issues relating to the crisis
  • Network members offer reactions to these issues

• Mobilization
  • Third phase of therapy
  • Network members form smaller groups with the task of creating potential solutions to specific problems

• Depression
  • Fourth phase of therapy
  • Network members experience frustration over the difficulty involved in the task

• Breakthrough
  • Fifth phase of therapy
  • Network group leaders disclose attainable solutions to problem
  • Intervention team gathers appropriate support structures

• Exhaustion
  • Sixth phase of therapy
  • Most network members feel a sense of accomplishment following the implementation of solutions

ASSESSMENT/TREATMENT

• Team of two to four therapists
• Sessions are attended by all members of a client’s social network (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.)
• There are typically 3-6 sessions
• Each session is 2-4 hours
• Criteria for “network effect” include: adequate support for people most emotionally involved with client

STANCE OF THERAPIST

• Leader/Conductor
• Mediator
• Charismatic Facilitator
• Supportive
• Purposeful/Goal-oriented