Towards an existential phenomenological family therapy model of working with issues of alcohol abuse: a grounded theory study

This research is a step towards creating an existential phenomenological model of family therapy when working with alcohol abuse. The research method was constructivist grounded theory and involved interviews with twelve experienced family therapists. From an initial one hundred and twenty-five provisional categories the data was analysed to form eight main concepts. Each of the concepts contains a family therapy and an existential phenomenological perspective. The model can be considered in three formats; a review of family therapy when addressing alcohol problems, an existential phenomenological approach to that situation and an integrated version. The model is described and shown in diagram form and can be used by practitioners in part or whole to assist in their work with families.