How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 217

about the difficulties you are experiencing?
How do you understand John’s anger with the way that things have gone in
today’s meeting?
7.4 Work towards change at the level of beliefs and behaviours
 Challenge existing patterns and assumptions:
To move with the family to a position where they are able to query their own beliefs, perceptions and
feelings. The therapist should actively query the family’s existing beliefs, assumptions or behaviours. The
use of circular questioning, alternative perspective and possible futures questioning may be particularly
helpful in achieving this.

Example:
A 12-year-old child (John) is discussing how he feels to blame when things in the family go wrong, or there
are arguments between he and his mother. The therapist begins by clarifying what are the child’s
assumptions, then begins to challenge some of the linear aspects of them.
John: Well I know it must be me, cause I am the one who always gets shouted at.
Th: So do you sometimes