(a) The family life cycle – looking at how families evolve. Key issues
in later family life include retirement and becoming a grandparent.
(b) Cross-generational interplay – life cycle changes in different
generations may not ‘fit’. One generation may be more family
orientated (e.g. during childbirth) while others are more outward
looking (e.g. early retirement). Expectations may vary across the
generations.
(c) Genograms – drawing a family tree is a useful way of collecting,
organising and considering family information.
(d) Circular questions – these are in terms of relationships. Examples
include, “If your mother says this, what does your brother do?” or
“who in the family would this affect?”
(e) Reflecting teams – members of the multi-disciplinary team talk about
the family while they listen, offering different perspectives.