The Hillcrest family : assessment interview 1

Duration: Series:Studies in human communication. assessment series

Year Published: 1968

Creator: Pennsylvania State Univ. Psychological Cinema Register University Park Pa. 1968

Description: The purpose of this program is to present an assessment interview between Dr. Nathan Ackerman and the members of the Hillcrest family in a counseling series. This is the first time the family has met this doctor and he is unaware of their reasons for seeking counseling services. In this presentation the Hillcrest family arrives for the assessment interview with Dr. Ackerman. The parents and youngest child sit off to one side, the two oldest children sit on the couch and a small child, Lisa, sits between them. Norman introduces his wife Carol, his children from a first marriage - Bruce and Sonia, Carol's daughter from her first marriage - Lisa, and their child Brian. They describe the problems in this second marriage which seem to stem from problems caused by Norman and Carol's inability to control Bruce and Sonia. Norman readily describes his bitter first marriage and the abandonment of the children by their mother. By questioning Bruce the doctor attempts to learn what is bothering him, how he sees himself in this new family, and his feelings in regard to his mother. Carol readily admits that she is unable to cope with Bruce and while she knows both older children need her love, sheis possessive and finds that she is taking out her hostility on them. She feels very strongly that Norman is not taking a strong enough part in disciplining these children and that it is not her responsibility. Norman feels she too must takea more active part in their discipline