FFT Phases
What are the five phases of FFT?
Engagement, Motivation, Relational Assessment, Behavior Change, and Generalization.
During the Motivation phase, what should the therapist avoid reinforcing?
Negativity, blame, hopelessness, and polarized family positions.
In FFT, behavior is understood within what larger context?
The family and relational system in which the behavior occurs.
Name two skills that could be targeted during Behavior Change.
Communication, parenting, problem-solving, conflict management, emotional regulation, or another skill connected to the referral problem.
What is the primary purpose of the Generalization phase?
To extend and maintain positive changes across situations, relationships, and relevant systems.
Which phase focuses on creating a positive interaction between the therapist and IP?
Engagement
What is one major purpose of reframing in FFT?
To highlight a behavior, the noble intent, while identifying the consequences of that behavior.
What is a relational function?
The interpersonal purpose or function that a behavior serves within a relationship or interaction pattern.
What's the difference between teaching a skill and simply telling a family what to do?
Teaching involves explaining, modeling, practicing, coaching, and reinforcing the skill.
Name one component of a relapse-prevention plan.
Triggers, warning signs, coping skills, internal supports, external supports, or a plan for getting help early.
Which phase focuses on increasing hope, reducing negativity/blame, and building motivation?
Motivation
A parent says, “My child is just disrespectful.” What technique should the therapist utilize?
Sequence, including what happens before and after the behavior and what each person believes the behavior means.
A youth shuts down whenever a parent gives instructions. Should the therapist immediately label the youth “defiant”?
No. The therapist should assess the interactional sequence, each person's meaning/attributions, and what the shutdown accomplishes within the relationship.
A family repeatedly escalates during disagreements. What could be an appropriate Behavior Change target?
concrete communication or conflict-management sequence that helps family members slow down and respond differently.
Why does FFT involve community systems during Generalization?
Because lasting change needs to occur across the settings and systems that affect the family, not just within therapy.
Which phase examines interaction patterns and the relational functions of behavior?
Relational Assessment
Why does FFT emphasize balanced alliances?
The therapist needs to maintain workable relationships with all family members without taking sides.
True or False: FFT assessment only happens during the formal assessment phase.
False. Assessment is ongoing throughout FFT.
Why are Behavior Change interventions individualized in FFT?
Because interventions need to fit the family's specific relational patterns, strengths, needs, and behavioral functions.
A family uses a conflict-management skill successfully at home but not during school meetings. What should the therapist consider?
How to generalize and adapt the skill to the new setting, including barriers, relationships, supports, and practice opportunities.
Which phase focuses on maintaining skills, using supports, and preventing relapse?
Generalization
A family keeps arguing about who is responsible for the problem. What FFT strategy could interrupt this cycle?
Interrupt the blame/negativity sequence and reframe the interaction to create hope, shared responsibility, and movement toward change.
Why is identifying the function of a behavior important before choosing an intervention?
Because the intervention should match the relational pattern and function of the behavior rather than being a generic technique.
A therapist teaches “Pause, Scan, Decide.” What would make this FFT-consistent Behavior Change rather than simply psychoeducation?
Connecting it to the family's relational pattern and referral problem, modeling it, practicing it, coaching the family, and reinforcing successful use.
A family has improved communication but notices old patterns returning during stressful periods. What should the therapist help them develop?
A relapse-prevention/generalization plan identifying triggers, warning signs, skills to use early, internal and external supports, and a plan for maintaining gains after treatment.