Abstract
This article describes a technique that attempts to combine the best of the traditional clinical psychotherapeutic method with the advantages of a social systems approach. The technique is based on the assumption that the solution to a variety of human dilemmas lies within the collective resources of an individual's social network. The vehicle for accomplishing this is the “Network Session” in which professional, care-givers meet with a client and his natural social network to facilitate client growth, and to design and implement a strategy for more effective service delivery. Two case studies are included to demonstrate the method.
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Reference Notes
Pattison, E. A theoretical-empirical base for social system therapy. In E. Pattison (Chair),Clinical group methods for larger social systems. Symposium presented at the annual conference of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Boston, February, 1976.
Garrison, J. Network methods for clinical problems. In E. Pattison (Chair),Clinical group methods for larger social systems. Symposium presented at the annual conference of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Boston, February, 1976.
Curtis, W. Personal communication, February 7, 1976.
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The authors wish to acknowledge the helpful comments of Joseph Greaney and Ellen Galligan.
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Garrison, J., Werfel, S. A network approach to clinical social work. Clin Soc Work J 5, 108–117 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02144236
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02144236