When applied to families, the cognitive–behavioral therapeutic approach examines the interactional dynamics of family members and how they contribute to family functioning and dysfunction. In Cognitive–Behavioral Family Therapy, Dr. Frank M. Dattilio demonstrates a single-session intervention with a single mother and her three sons, identifying some of the automatic thoughts and schemas that exist among these family members. This DVD depicts the manner in which a cognitive–behavioral approach can be addressed within a family structure, with the therapist engaging the family and highlighting issues that involve emotions, beliefs, and behavioral exchange. Approach: Cognitive–behavioral family therapy is an approach that is conducted against the backdrop of systems theory and includes the premise that members of a family simultaneously influence and are influenced by each other. The focus of this approach is placed on thoughts and behaviors and how the behavior of one family member leads to behaviors, cognitions, and emotions with other family members. This, in turn, elicits cognitions, behaviors, and emotions in reciprocal response. As this cycle continues, the volatility of the family dynamics escalates, rendering family members vulnerable to a negative spiral of conflict. Cognitive behavior therapy places a heavy emphasis on schema or what is otherwise known as "core beliefs." The primary aim of the approach is to help family members recognize distortions in their thinking based on erroneous information and restructure their thinking and modify their behavior in order to improve their interactional patterns. The role of emotions is also important in this approach and is addressed through the use of cognitive appraisal, which plays a significant part in the interrelationships that exist. With this approach, restructuring distorted beliefs has a pivotal impact on regulating emotions and behaviors and vice versa. About the Therapist: Frank M. Dattilio, PhD, ABPP, is one of the leading figures in the world in cognitive behavior therapy. He maintains faculty appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He is a licensed psychologist in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware and is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. He is also a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Dattilio is board certified in both clinical psychology and behavioral psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology and received a certificate of training in forensic psychology through the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia. He is also a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Dattilio has been a visiting faculty member at many major universities and medical schools throughout the world. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the award for Distinguished Psychologist by the APA's Division 29 (Psychotherapy) and the award for Distinguished Contributions to the Science and Profession of Psychology by the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Dr. Dattilio has also been inducted into the prestigious College of Physicians of Philadelphia for his many contributions to medicine and science, and he is the recipient of the 2005 Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies award for "Outstanding Contribution by an Individual for Clinical Activities." Dr. Dattilio also received the 2007 award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology and Humankind by the Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychology. He most recently received the Marriage and Family Therapist of the Year award for 2010 from the Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Dattilio's active areas of research involve topics in cognitive behavior therapy, clinical and forensic psychology, and case-based investigations. He is featured in "Harvard Science." Dr. Dattilio has over 250 professional publications and 18 books in the areas of anxiety disorders, forensic and clinical psychology, and marital and family discord. He has also presented extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Cuba, and the West Indies on both cognitive behavior therapy and forensic psychology. To date, his works have been translated into 28 languages and are used in 80 countries throughout the world. Among his many publications, Dr. Dattilio is the author of Cognitive–Behavior Therapy with Couples and Families: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians (2010). He is also co-author of Crime and Mental Illness (2008); Practical Approaches to Forensic Mental Health Testimony (2007); Mental Health Experts: Roles and Qualifications for Court (1st ed., 2002; 2nd ed., 2007); Cognitive Therapy with Couples (1990); Panic Disorder: Assessment & Treatment Through a Wide Angle Lens (2000); The Family Psychotherapy Treatment Planner (2000; 2nd ed., 2010), and The Family Therapy Homework Planner (2000; 2nd ed., 2010); co-editor of Comprehensive Casebook of Cognitive Therapy (1992); Cognitive–Behavioral Strategies in Crisis Intervention (1994; 2nd ed., 2000; 3rd ed., 2007); Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents: A Casebook for Clinical Practice (1995; 2nd ed., 2003); and Comparative Treatments for Couple Dysfunction (2000); and editor of Case Studies in Couples and Family Therapy: Systemic and Cognitive Perspectives (1998). He has also filmed several professional videotapes and audiotapes including the popular series "Five Approaches to Linda" (Lehigh University Media, 1996) and remains on the editorial board of a number of national and international refereed journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Dattilio's areas of expertise are in couple and family problems, forensic psychological evaluations, as well as the treatment of anxiety and behavior disorders. Suggested Readings: Dattilio, F. M. (Ed.). (1998). Case studies in couple and family therapy: Systemic and cognitive perspectives. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Dattilio, F. M., & Beck, A. T. (2010). Cognitive–behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive guide for clinicians. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Dattilio, F. M., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2010). Cognitive–behavioral strategies in crisis intervention (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Dattilio, F. M., & Padesky, C. A. (1990). Cognitive therapy with couples. Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Exchange, Inc.
Reinecke, M. A., Dattilio, F. M., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2006). Cognitive therapy with children and adolescents, second edition: A casebook for clinical practice. New York, NY: The Guilford Press. |
