Most of the intensive counseling is done in this phase.  Counselors begin by restructuring the faulty family structure which currently exists in the family (although each family differs by degrees).  One of the most common areas requiring restructuring is the roles that have been inappropriately developed with regards to parent/child relations.  Counselors attempt to reestablish responsibility specific to roles of parents and adolescents.  This is especially evident in single-parent families.
          Teaching and establishing communication and coping skills is a second essential element of Phase II.  Many families have lost their ability to effectively communicate their needs to each other. As a result, needs are often left unmet or are met in unhealthy ways due to a lack of coping skills. This is also the time when the counselor will identify, address, and educate the family on relapse prevention techniques.
          The short-term goals established in Phase I must be met in order to advance to Phase III.