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A Therapeutic Model for Supporting Families of Children with a Chronic Illness or Disability
Author(s) -
Morison Jillian E.,
Bromfield Leah M.,
Cameron Heather J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/1475-3588.00058
Subject(s) - cognitive reframing , psychological intervention , empowerment , coping (psychology) , psychology , psychological resilience , psychotherapist , peer support , service model , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , service (business) , economy , political science , law , economics
Background: A therapeutic model for supporting families of children with a chronic illness or disability is described. The model presupposes that the chronic illness and/or disability of a child constitutes a trauma for the entire family. Method: This paper describes a therapeutic model currently in practice and links it back to psychological dynamics addressed through the clinical interventions and the principles that underlie the model of service. Results: Service delivery comprises the interventions; counselling, psychological first aid, projects, peer groups, parent mentoring, social events and community education. The model is family centred, non‐illness specific, preventative, non‐linear and flexible. Conclusions: The interventions offered in the model aim to address the psychological dynamics of hope, empowerment, reconnection, coping/resilience and reframing.