Therefore, children of alcoholics could develop character dis-orders unless they undergo therapy to prevent this (Glasser, 1970, p. 68).
When therapists counsel the children of alcoholics, they should be particularly concerned that their clients are able to establish positive relations with others, and that they have confidence in their own skills and self-worth. For the purpose of assisting clients, who have a parent who is an alcoholic, to overcome emotional difficulties and problems, three significant areas may require consideration. These areas consist of conditions for effecting positive relationships with others, ways of reducing feelings of powerlessness, and techniques for resolving conflict.
Counseling the children of alcoholics can be most difficult
because of the very fact that they live in an alcoholic home. There
is very little in the home which can support the child and provide
him with good mental hygiene. As mentioned above, the alcoholic
seldom is a very responsible parent, and the child develops a
feeling of insecurity as a consequence. This insecurity felt by the
child does not help him to develop positive relationships with
others. It is as if the hostility the child
...