Denial of Illness

A FFT technique for making the clinical pattern observable, choosing one practical intervention and reviewing its effect in the next contact.

Step-by-step guide

1. Name the concrete situation where Denial of Illness is relevant.
2. Map the sequence: trigger, action, response and consequence.
3. Identify one attempted solution that may be maintaining the problem.
4. Practice or assign one small change that can be tested before the next meeting.
5. Review what happened and adapt the plan rather than blaming the family.

When to use

• When the problem repeats in a recognizable interactional sequence.
• When the therapist needs a concrete intervention rather than broad advice.
• When progress depends on practice between sessions.

Key phrases

Follow-up questions

Alternative phrasings