Training staff in multiple family therapy in a children's psychiatric hospital: From theory to practice

Abstract

This article describes a systematized method for training clinical staff from a variety of mental health professions while implementing supportive, process-oriented multiple family therapy (MFT) in a children's psychiatric hospital. The model uses a step-by-step approach based upon learning objectives specific to the theory and practice of MFT for each stage of the process. External consultants skilled and experienced in MFT supported tuition in the initial stages. The method employs seminars with theoretical and experiential components, highlighting the major conceptual features of group, family therapy and MFT. Advanced stages of the training model include experiential learning in small groups and ongoing peer group supervision with live families. The systematic procedure has relevance for ongoing supervision, research and best standards of clinical practice in the hospital. © 2006 The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice.