PARENTING: FAMILY THERAPY METHODS AND CONCEPTS IN PARENTAL TRAINING

ABSTRACT: 

Family conflict and harmful parenting practices are significant risk factors for developing emotional and behavioral disturbances in childhood and adolescence. Parental training -enhancing knowledge about child development and family functioning, improving communication and problem-solving skills, teaching discipline and behavior management techniques – has the best potential to enhance the child’s well-being and to reduce the risk of developing serious mental health problems. The article presents the main concepts and techniques derived from systemic family therapy – structural, strategic, behavioral, constructivist – useful in brief parental training programmes. The intervention’s boundaries will be discussed, the efficiency and socio­cultural characteristics, as well as its preventive / therapeutic role.