There’s a growing recognition that “wisdom,” that elusive ability to see life whole,
By Rich Simon As therapists, many of us practice in two different worlds. In the first, we see polite, well-behaved, articulate clients with solid values. They engage fully in therapy, talk cogently about their problems, listen attentively to our responses, make reasonably good-faith efforts to follow our suggestions, and sooner or later get better. No wonder we genuinely like these people! 
Ross Ford and Alford Laws • Friday Morning
times, we realize that we can’t separate the psychological stability of the family from its economic stability---besides resolving families’ personal issues, we need to help them prepare their children and adolescents to face the economic challenges ahead. In this workshop, we’ll explore the Family Strengthening Practice Model, which draws on Minuchin’s insights to emphasize parental responsibility, family order, teamwork and cooperation, and motivating and training kids for success. For example, this “therapy” inculcates the importance of family chores and of teaching kids to handle money. Along with rebuilding family relationships and improving communications, the model focuses on empowering families and kids to succeed in the real world.
Ross Ford, L.C.S.W-C, the director of family strengthening and training at WIN Family Services, Inc., works collaboratively with families, practitioners, and scholars to improve inner-city and impoverished neighborhoods. To learn more, visit http://www.winfamilyservices.org and http://www.familystrengtheningalliance.org.
Alford Laws, Jr., is chief executive officer, founder, and organizational leader of WIN Family Services, Inc., offering child and family services in Baltimore.
© 2013 Psychotherapy Networker