Family Therapy for Conduct Disorder | Cadabams CDC
As a parent, watching your child’s angry outbursts, lying, or rule-breaking spiral can feel overwhelming. Family therapy for conduct disorder is built on a hopeful truth: when the entire family learns new skills together, disruptive behaviours often improve faster and last longer than with individual counselling alone. At Cadabams CDC, we specialise in evidence-based family programs that turn conflict into connection—and give parents the tools to lead the change.
What Is Family Therapy for Conduct Disorder?
Definition and Core Principles
Family therapy is a structured, goal-oriented form of counselling that treats conduct disorder symptoms (aggression, defiance, deceitfulness) by working with parents, siblings, and the child together. Core principles include:
- Systems thinking: A child’s behaviour is shaped by—and shapes—family dynamics.
- Skill transfer: Parents practice real-time discipline, communication, and problem-solving strategies in sessions.
- Sustainability: Changes are embedded into daily routines so progress continues after therapy ends.
How Family Therapy Differs from Individual Therapy
| Individual Therapy | Family Therapy |
|---|---|
| Focuses on the child’s thoughts and feelings alone | Involves parents as co-therapists |
| Limited home practice | Daily homework and role-play in natural settings |
| Progress measured by child self-report | Progress tracked via parent logs, school feedback, and behaviour counts |
Evidence-Based Family-Based Treatments Overview
Cadabams CDC offers four globally validated models. Each is matched to your family’s unique needs.
Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
- Intensive, home-based therapy for high-risk teens.
- Addresses peer, school, and neighbourhood influences.
Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
- Short-term (12–16 sessions) clinic model.
- Emphasises improving parenting skills and communication patterns.
Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC)
- Combines foster placement with parent training programs.
- Ideal when temporary removal from home is required for safety.
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)
- 8–12 sessions, often delivered in online family therapy formats.
- Targets immediate behaviour change through structured tasks.
How Each Model Works for Conduct Disorder
Session Structure & Duration
| Model | Usual Length | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| MST | 3–5 months, multiple weekly visits | Home, school, community |
| FFT | 12–16 one-hour sessions | Clinic or telehealth |
| MTFC | 6–9 months | Foster home + weekly parent sessions |
| BSFT | 8–12 sessions, 60–90 min | Clinic, home, or video call |
Target Behaviors & Goals
- Reduce delinquent behaviour (theft, truancy, aggression).
- Increase compliance with rules at home and school.
- Strengthen family relationships and sibling cooperation.
Parental Involvement Requirements
- MST & FFT require at least one caregiver present for 90 % of sessions.
- MTFC parents attend weekly group training.
- BSFT assigns daily 10-minute “micro-tasks” (e.g., praise logs, shared activities).
Benefits of Choosing Family-Based Treatment
- Improved Parenting Skills: Learn evidence-based strategies such as calm commands, token economies, and planned ignoring.
- Reduced Delinquent Behaviour: Meta-analyses show FFT and MST cut re-arrest rates by 25–40 % within 18 months.
- Stronger Family Relationships: Sibling hostility drops and marital satisfaction rises when parents coach each other consistently.
Comparing Family Therapy Models – Pros & Cons
| Factor | MST | FFT | MTFC | BSFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensity | Very high | Moderate | High | Low–moderate |
| Home vs Clinic | Primarily home | Clinic or telehealth | Foster home + clinic | Flexible |
| Success Rates | 70 % reduce felony-level offences | 60 % drop in school suspensions | 50 % fewer placement days | Rapid behaviour change, 65 % sustained at 6 months |
| Sustainability | High—skills embedded at home | High—short, focused | Moderate—needs after-care plan | Requires booster sessions |
Who Should Enroll in Family Therapy?
Ideal Candidate Profiles
- Children aged 6–17 with a formal conduct disorder diagnosis or emerging symptoms.
- At least one caregiver willing to attend sessions and practice techniques daily.
- Families open to behavioural parent training.
Contraindications & Considerations
- Active substance abuse in caregivers (needs detox first).
- Severe domestic violence (requires safety planning and possible shelter).
- Psychosis or intellectual disability in the child (may blend family therapy with specialised supports).