Organizing the Extended Family as a Self-Help Group

In many situations, it can be of benefit to the clients to connect them as members of a new group with a relatively new pattern of organization and a new purpose: to help one another and overcome feelings of alienation. It may be of further benefit if the members of that group consist of those people who are extended family who already care about each other. The idea is supported by several different family therapy theories, ancient family traditions, and the popularity in American culture of self-help groups. The procedures for the therapist to organize and lead such a group and some of the issues that come up are discussed. The ultimate goal is for the group to lead itself. There are opportunities for the clients to experience new options and learn and practice new beliefs and patterns of behavior. The technique can be used with the nuclear system alone.