1.

Orientation
Therapist (T):
"Thank you all for coming today. I’d like to start by understanding what each of you
thinks is going to happen here today. Why do you think the whole family is here? And
what would you like to see come out of this session? What do you particularly want to
have addressed or answered?"
Mother:
"Well, I think we’re here because John has been having trouble at school, and it’s
affecting all of us. I’d like to figure out how to help him and get things back on track."
Father:
"I agree, but I also think we need to work on how we communicate as a family. It
feels like we’re all on different pages sometimes."
John:
"I guess I’m here because my parents think I’m the problem. I just want them to stop
fighting about me."
Therapist (T):
"Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like there are a few things going on—John’s
struggles at school, communication issues, and some tension at home. Let me explain
my role here. I asked you all to come in because I need to understand how you
function as a family. This helps me see the bigger picture and work with you to make
things better for John and everyone else.
I’ll be asking questions about different areas of your family life, some of which might
not seem directly related to John’s issues, but they’re important for me to understand.
At the end of the session, I’ll summarize what we’ve discussed. Does that sound
okay? Any questions before we begin?"

2. Data Gathering
Presenting Problem(s)
Therapist (T):
"Let’s start by talking about the problem that brought you here. Can you describe
what’s been happening with John at school and at home?"
Mother:
"John’s teacher called a few months ago to say he’s been disruptive in class and his
grades are slipping. At home, he’s been more withdrawn and defiant."
 Father:
"I think John’s just being a typical teenager, but it’s causing a lot of stress between me
and my wife. We don’t agree on how to handle it."
John:
"I feel like no matter what I do, it’s never good enough. My parents are always
arguing about me, and it’s just making things worse."
Therapist (T):
"It sounds like there’s a lot going on—John’s behavior at school, disagreements
between you two about how to handle it, and John feeling caught in the middle. Let
me make sure I understand:
1. John has been harder to manage, especially for you, Mom.
2. You two, as parents, are having trouble agreeing on how to handle John’s behavior.
3. John feels like he’s the cause of the tension at home.
Does that sound right so far?"
Family:
"Yes, that’s about it."
Overall Family Functioning
Therapist (T):
"Now, I’d like to shift focus and get a general idea of how you all function as a family.
Is that okay? Let’s talk about how you solve problems together. Can you think of a
recent problem you faced as a family and how you handled it?"
Mother:
"Well, last week we had a disagreement about chores. I felt like I was doing
everything, and no one was helping."
Father:
"I thought we were sharing the load, but I guess not. We ended up arguing about it for
hours."
John:
"I just stayed out of it. I didn’t want to get involved."
Therapist (T):
"It sounds like problem-solving can be challenging for your family. Let’s explore how
you communicate with each other. Who usually speaks up when there’s an issue?
How do you let each other know how you’re feeling?"
Mother:
"I usually bring things up, but I feel like no one listens."
Father:
"I think we all talk, but it often turns into an argument."
John:
"I just stay quiet. It’s easier that way."
Therapist (T):
"Thank you for sharing. It seems like communication is an area where you all might
need some support. Let’s move on to roles in the family. Who takes care of what
responsibilities at home?"
Mother:
"I handle most of the cooking, cleaning, and helping the kids with homework."
Father:
"I take care of the bills and yard work, but I feel like I’m not as involved with the kids
as I should be."
Therapist (T):
"It sounds like there’s a clear division of labor, but maybe some imbalance in how
responsibilities are shared. Let’s talk about how you support each other emotionally.
Who do you turn to when you’re feeling upset or stressed?"
Mother:
"I usually talk to my sister, not my husband."
Father:
"I keep things to myself. I don’t want to burden anyone."
John:
"I just go to my room and listen to music."
Therapist (T):
"It seems like emotional support is another area where your family could use some
work. Let’s talk about how you handle rules and discipline. What are the rules in your
house, and how do you enforce them?"
Mother:
"We have rules, but they’re not always consistent. Sometimes I feel like my husband
undermines me."
Father:
"I think we need to be stricter, but my wife thinks I’m too harsh."
 John:
"I just do what I want. The rules don’t make sense anyway."
Therapist (T):
"Thank you for sharing. It sounds like there’s some disagreement about rules and
discipline, which might be adding to the tension at home."

3. Problem Description
Therapist (T):
"Based on what we’ve discussed, here’s a summary of the problems I’ve identified:
1. John’s behavior at school and at home is causing stress for the family.
2. There’s disagreement between Mom and Dad about how to handle John’s behavior.
3. Communication within the family is strained, and problem-solving is challenging.
4. There’s an imbalance in how responsibilities are shared at home.
5. Emotional support and connection within the family seem limited.
6. Rules and discipline are inconsistent, leading to confusion and tension.
Does this list sound accurate to you? Are there any other issues you’d like to add?"
Mother:
"That sounds about right to me."
Father:
"I agree, but I’d add that we need to work on how we handle stress as a family."
John:
"I just want everyone to stop fighting about me."
Therapist (T):
"Thank you. I’ll add those points to the list. Let’s move on to the next step."

4. Clarification and Agreement on a Problem List

Therapist (T):
"Now that we’ve identified the problems, I’d like to make sure we all agree on what
needs to be addressed. Here’s the updated list:
1. John’s behavior at school and at home.
2. Disagreements between Mom and Dad about parenting.
3. Communication and problem-solving challenges.
4. Imbalance in family responsibilities.
5. Limited emotional support and connection.
6. Inconsistent rules and discipline.
7. Managing stress as a family.
Does this list feel complete and accurate to everyone? Are there any areas where you
disagree or feel unsure?"
Mother:
"I think it’s accurate."
Father:
"I agree."
John:
"Yeah, I guess so."
Therapist (T):
"Great. It sounds like we’re all on the same page. This list will guide our work
together. In the next session, we’ll start exploring solutions to these problems. Thank
you all for your openness today."

1. Orientation
Therapist (T):
"Now that we’ve agreed on the problems we need to address, let’s talk about what we
can do about them. This stage is about creating a plan for how we’ll work together to
make changes. Does that sound okay to everyone?"
Mother:
"Yes, I think we’re ready to move forward."
Father:
"I agree. We need a plan to get things back on track."
John:
"I just want things to be less stressful at home."
Therapist (T):
"Great. Let’s start by outlining the options available to you as a family."

2. Outlining Options
Therapist (T):
"You have a few options for how to proceed. Let’s go through them one by one.
1. Option 1: You could choose not to do anything about the problems we’ve identified
and continue functioning as you have been. The consequence of this is that things
might stay the same or even get worse over time.
2. Option 2: You could try to work on these problems on your own, now that we’ve
clarified them. This might involve making changes at home without professional help.
3. Option 3: You could seek a different type of treatment or therapy, such as individual
therapy or counseling for specific family members. However, since we’ve identified
family issues as a key part of the problem, this option might not address everything.
4. Option 4: You could engage in family therapy using the Problem-Centered Systems
Therapy Framework (PCSTF) to work on these problems together as a family.
Each option has its own consequences, and it’s important to think about what feels
right for your family. Which option seems best to you?"
Mother:
"I think we need to work on this as a family. Option 4 sounds like the best choice."
Father:
"I agree. We’ve tried handling things on our own, and it hasn’t worked. We need
help."
John:
"I’m okay with family therapy, as long as everyone actually tries."
Therapist (T):
"It sounds like we’re all in agreement to move forward with family therapy. Let’s talk
about what that will look like and what we can expect from each other."

3. Negotiating Expectations
Therapist (T):
"Now that we’ve decided to work together, let’s talk about what each of you hopes to
achieve through therapy. I’d like each of you to share what changes you’d like to see
in the family and in yourselves. Let’s make these goals as specific as possible. For
example, instead of saying, ‘I want us to get along better,’ you might say, ‘I want us to
have fewer arguments and resolve conflicts calmly.’
Let’s start with you, Mother. What are your goals for therapy?"
Mother:
"I want John to do better at school and for us to stop arguing about how to handle his
behavior. I also want us to communicate better as a family."
 Therapist (T):
"Great. Let’s break that down. For example, one goal could be: ‘We will have a family
meeting once a week to discuss issues calmly and come up with solutions.’ Another
could be: ‘We will work together to support John with his schoolwork and behavior.’
Does that sound specific enough?"
Mother:
"Yes, that works."
Therapist (T):
"Father, what about you? What changes would you like to see?"
Father:
"I want to feel less frustrated and more supported by my wife when it comes to
handling John. I also want John to take more responsibility for his actions."
Therapist (T):
"Okay, so one goal could be: ‘We will create a plan for how to handle John’s behavior
together, so both parents feel supported.’ Another could be: ‘John will complete his
homework and chores without constant reminders.’ Does that sound good?"
Father:
"Yes, that’s exactly what I mean."
Therapist (T):
"John, what about you? What would make things better for you?"
John:
"I want my parents to stop fighting about me. I also want them to listen to me when I
try to explain how I feel."
Therapist (T):
"Got it. So one goal could be: ‘We will use calm and respectful communication, even
when we’re upset.’ Another could be: ‘John will have a chance to share his feelings
during family meetings without being interrupted.’ Does that work?"
John:
"Yeah, that sounds fair."
Therapist (T):
"Great. Now, let’s summarize the goals we’ve agreed on:
1. Hold a weekly family meeting to discuss issues calmly and solve problems.
2. Create a plan for handling John’s behavior together, so both parents feel supported.
3. John will complete his homework and chores without constant reminders.
4. Use calm and respectful communication, even during conflicts.
5. John will have a chance to share his feelings during family meetings without being
interrupted.
Does this list feel complete and accurate to everyone?"
Mother:
"Yes, that sounds good."
Father:
"I agree."
John:
"Me too."

4. Contract Signing
Therapist (T):
"Now that we’ve agreed on the goals, I’ll prepare a written contract that outlines these
expectations. This contract will serve as a guide for our work together. It will also
include my expectations, such as everyone attending sessions regularly and working
on the tasks we agree on.
Here’s the contract. Let’s review it together to make sure everything is clear."
(Therapist reads the contract aloud.)
Therapist (T):
"Does anyone have any questions or concerns about the contract?"
Mother:
"No, it looks good to me."
Father:
"I agree. Let’s sign it."
John:
"I’m ready."
Therapist (T):
"Great. Let’s all sign the contract. This marks the start of our work together. I’m
looking forward to helping your family make positive changes."
 Family Treatment Contract

FAMILY NAME: John’s Family

Problem List:
Mother & Father:
 Mother feels overwhelmed with John’s behavior at school and at home. She feels
unsupported by her husband in handling John’s issues.
 Father feels frustrated and disconnected from the family. He struggles to express his
feelings and often reacts with anger.
 Therapist noted that the parents disagree on how to handle John’s behavior, leading to
increased tension and arguments.
Parents & John:
 Parents are concerned about John’s declining grades and disruptive behavior at
school.
 John feels caught in the middle of his parents’ arguments and believes they don’t
listen to him.
 Therapist noted that communication between parents and John is strained, and there is
a lack of consistent discipline.
John:
 John feels misunderstood and unsupported by his parents. He struggles with feelings
of guilt and sadness, which contribute to his behavioral issues.
 Therapist noted that John’s behavior is a cry for attention and a way to cope with the
tension at home.

Tasks:
Mother & Father:
1. Mother and father will set aside 30 minutes each week to discuss John’s behavior and
agree on a consistent approach to discipline.
2. Father will spend 15 minutes each day talking with John about his day and listening to
his concerns without judgment.
3. Mother and father will say two positive things to each other every day to improve
their communication and connection.
 Parents & John:
1. John will complete his homework and chores without constant reminders. If he fails to
do so, parents will remove privileges (e.g., no video games or screen time) after
discussing the consequences together.
2. Parents will hold a weekly family meeting to discuss issues calmly and allow John to
share his feelings without interruption.
3. Parents will work with John’s school to create a plan to support his academic and
behavioral progress.
John:
1. John will attend school regularly and complete his homework. If he feels
overwhelmed, he will ask for help from his parents or teachers.
2. John will participate in one extracurricular activity (e.g., sports, art, or clubs) to build
confidence and social skills.
3. John will use a journal to express his feelings when he’s upset, instead of acting out.

Therapist’s Expectations:
1. All family members will attend therapy sessions and call in advance if they cannot
attend.
2. Family members will complete their assigned tasks and be prepared to discuss the
outcomes in therapy.
3. The family will revise and adjust the problem list as needed during therapy.
4. Parents will work together to create a consistent and supportive environment for John.
Signatures:
 __________________________________________ __________________
Family Member (Mother) | Date
 __________________________________________ __________________
Family Member (Father) | Date
 __________________________________________ __________________
Family Member (John) | Date
 __________________________________________ __________________
Therapist | Date
 Treatment

1. Orientation
Therapist (T):
"Now that we’ve agreed on the problems and signed the contract, we’re moving into
the Treatment Stage. This is where we’ll work together to develop strategies to
address the issues we’ve identified. The goal is to help you make changes that will
improve your family’s functioning and reduce stress. Does that sound good to
everyone?"
Mother:
"Yes, I’m ready to start working on these changes."
Father:
"Me too. Let’s get started."
John:
"I guess so. I just hope it helps."
Therapist (T):
"Great. Let’s begin by clarifying which problems we should tackle first. We’ll
prioritize the issues and then set specific tasks to work on between sessions."

2. Clarifying Priorities
Therapist (T):
"Let’s revisit the problem list we created during the Assessment Stage. Here’s what
we agreed on:
1. John’s behavior at school and at home.
2. Disagreements between Mother and Father about parenting.
3. Communication challenges within the family.
4. Lack of emotional support and connection.
5. Inconsistent rules and discipline.
Which of these issues feels most urgent or important to address first?"
 Mother:
"I think we need to start with John’s behavior at school. It’s causing a lot of stress for
all of us."
Father:
"I agree. If we can get that under control, it might help with the other issues."
John:
"I just want my parents to stop fighting about me. That’s what’s making everything
worse."
Therapist (T):
"It sounds like John’s behavior at school and the disagreements between Mother and
Father are the top priorities. Let’s start there. Does that work for everyone?"
Family:
"Yes, that sounds good."

3. Setting Tasks
Therapist (T):
"Now that we’ve prioritized the issues, let’s set some specific tasks to work on this
week. These tasks should be small, achievable steps that move us toward solving the
problems.
For John’s behavior at school, here’s a task:
 John will complete his homework every day and show it to his parents before
bedtime. If he needs help, he’ll ask for it.
 Mother and Father will check John’s homework together and provide positive
feedback when he completes it.
For disagreements between Mother and Father, here’s a task:
 Mother and Father will spend 15 minutes each evening discussing John’s progress and
agreeing on a consistent approach to discipline. They’ll avoid arguing during this time
and focus on solutions.
For communication challenges, here’s a task:
 During dinner, each family member will share one positive thing that happened during
the day. Everyone will listen without interrupting or criticizing.
Does this sound doable for everyone?"
Mother:
"Yes, I think we can manage that."
Father:
"I’m willing to try. It sounds reasonable."
John:
"I’ll do my homework, but I hope my parents stop fighting."
Therapist (T):
"Great. Let’s assign a monitor for each task to make sure we stay on track. Mother,
can you monitor the homework task? Father, can you monitor the communication
task? And John, can you remind your parents to have their 15-minute discussion each
evening?"
Family:
"Okay, we’ll do that."

4. Task Evaluation
Therapist (T):
"At our next session, we’ll evaluate how these tasks went. We’ll discuss what worked,
what didn’t, and why. This will help us adjust our approach and set new tasks for the
following week.
Does anyone have any questions or concerns before we wrap up?"
Mother:
"No, I think we’re clear on what to do."
Father:
"Same here. We’ll give it our best shot."
John:
"I’ll try my best too."
Therapist (T):
"Great. I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes. Remember, the goal is progress,
not perfection. Let’s meet again next week to review and adjust our plan."