The overall treatment program begins with a formal assessment that determines factors which contribute to the family's vulnerability to incest, precipitating events that precede an abusive episode, and coping mechanisms the family uses and lacks. Based on this assessment, a treatment plan for the family as a whole and for individual members is developed. A major part of the program is the 'apology' session, which is a therapeutic ritual involving many weeks of planning and preparation by the family. Preapology sessions with parents focus on each of their responsibilities for the current family problems. This involves addressing any 'scapegoating' and the acceptance of personal responsibility for behaviors that have injured family members, notably the incest victim. Sessions are also held with abused children to prepare them for the apology session. In the apology session itself, the entire family is present. Parents sit together facing the children, with the therapist sitting beside the parents. The parents summarize the reasons for the family's problems, apologize to the children for specific parental behaviors that have contributed to the problem, and project goals for change to which they have committed themselves. Children are encouraged to ask questions and respond freely to the parents' statements. The intent of the session is to unify the family in a commitment to change that will enable them to live together in a mutually satisfying way. A sample apology session and 6 references.