Cognitive Family Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Cognitive family therapy is a new short-term psychotherapy which facilitates self-disclosure. The paper defines self-disclosure and differentiates cognitive self-disclosure from self-exposure and emotional self-disclosure. The relationship of cognitive self-disclosure in facilitating marital intimacy is developed. A case history is presented which describes the therapeutic process and suggests possible future research to understand what constitutes the specific change process in Cognitive family therapy. Data from an uncontrolled outcome study involving eleven families is discussed. Results from objective self-report tests given prior to treatment and at follow-up are examined, with the outcome suggesting that cognitive family therapy merits further evaluation.