Steve Simms, Ph.D.
This workshop will briefly review the three major challenges of working with symptomatic children trapped in high conflict marriages: (1) martial impasses are embedded in a pattern of avoidance and abdication, (2) negative perceptions cement gridlock, and (3) block the dysfunctional pattern while helping parents respond with leadership and connection. A videotape of one year of family therapy with a thirteen-year-old adolescent with a co-occurring disorder and his family illustrates the approach.