[Methodology of parent group therapy (experiences with a social training program for parents of children and adolescents requiring psychotherapy)].

An analysis is made of the socio-psychological status of parents and their problems with regard to intrafamiliar social behavior, and then the aims of parent groups are defined. This is followed by a critical assessment of such methods as information groups, conventional training groups and dynamic group psychotherapy, all of which are unsuitable for this population. Then follows a discussion of the experience gained and results achieved, with a social training program for parents of children needing psychotherapy, where the disturbance in the child is an expression of family-neurotic disturbances. The accent is on the formation of motivations, sensitization to emotional signals, self-experience, feedback exercises and the mastering of partner-oriented conflict management behavior. The aim is to resolve neurotic family arrangements, so that the child is no more needed as a carrier of symptoms. The new attitudes and conflict management behavior should also be available in genuine educational situations. During the third phase of the program of exercises which consists of three parts, concrete problem situations are dealt within psychodramatic manner. As a conclusion special requirements for leading such groups are discussed with a view to therapists treating parents and children at the same time.