Family Therapy w/Adolescents w/Depression: A Positive Biopsychosocial Approach Webinar WPIC PITT

All clinical and research professionals, students, and trainees as well as interested family members and individuals with mental illness.

Working with the adolescent population has always been a challenge for clinicians.

Given the developmental issues (striving for independence from the family of origin), adolescents are often reluctant to engage in being a part of the family therapy process.

The adolescent’s inclusion in family sessions frequently becomes a “battle” bringing the “power struggles” of the home life into the therapeutic arena.

As the number of adolescents with depressive disorders and also para-suicidal and suicidal behaviors, the clinician has become more aware of the adolescent’s impact on the family system.

This workshop will look at some concepts and issues in the effective use of family treatment with adolescent depression and suicidality.

The focus will be placed on understanding the concept of the “reciprocal influence” between the mental illness and the family system. A four-step process for intervening with families will be presented.