... recognised as a significant aspect in the treatment of schizophrenia. This approach marked a paradigmatic shift in the way family members were viewed by clinicians and has led to efforts to improve communication between clinicians and carers. Recent years have seen such cognitive approaches expanded to interest in interventions that combine the principles of cognitive and behavioural approaches. However, despite all the research available providing evidence of their effectiveness, these approaches are not widely available in routine clinical practice (Slade & Haddock 1996). It is now clear, however, that psychosocial interventions are necessary to help patients cope with their condition, and improve their quality of life. These interventions are also beneficial to relatives, and are effective in improving the quality of the family environment (Penn & Mueser 1996). Psychosocial interventions are aimed at empowering patients, and, as Slade & Haddock (1996) have pointed out, 'since the 1980s, the task of ...

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