MetaTOC stay on top of your field, easily

Understanding the complex family experiences of Behavioural Family Therapy

, , ,

Journal of Family Therapy

Published online on

Abstract

Family psychoeducational interventions including Behavioural Family Therapy have an impressive evidence base in the treatment of schizophrenia. While there are challenges in their implementation including the engagement of families, in the few qualitative studies of Behavioural Family Therapy, families report largely positive experiences. Understanding more about families’ experiences of Behavioural Family Therapy could guide changes to practice to improve implementation. This qualitative study involved interviews with twenty clients diagnosed with schizophrenia and twenty relatives who participated in Behavioural Family Therapy in Australia. Participants valued sharing experiences between family members and their relationship with the practitioner. Unlike previous studies they reported discomfort in sessions and disappointment in aspects of Behavioural Family Therapy. Greater emphasis on addressing this discomfort and on therapeutic alliance may help overcome implementation challenges. Practitioner points Practitioners can use their therapeutic alliance with families to promote shared understanding by providing information as well as facilitating information sharing between family members Practitioners need to recognize and respond to the high levels of discomfort experienced by families and particularly the vulnerability of the person with schizophrenia An increased focus on engagement and the therapeutic alliance may improve the implementation of BFT in services 理解家庭在行为家庭治疗中的复杂经历 家庭心理教育干预, 包括行为家庭治疗, 在治疗精神分裂症方面有着相当可观的证据基础。虽然在其实施方面存在着一些包括家庭参与在内的挑战, 在关于行为家庭治疗的几个质性研究中, 家庭还是报告了总体上积极的经历。更多地理解家庭在行为家庭治疗中的经历可以指导实践方面的调整, 以改进治疗实施情况。该质性研究采用了访谈方式, 访谈对象为在澳大利亚参加行为家庭治疗的二十位诊断患有精神分裂症的来访者和二十位亲属。参与者非常重视家庭成员之间的经历分享以及他们与医师的关系。与已有研究不同的是, 他们也报告了在治疗过程中的不适感, 以及对行为家庭治疗某些方面的失望。在处理不适和治疗性结盟方面加强关注可能会有利于减少实施中的挑战。 对实务工作者的启示 治疗师可以利用他们与家庭的治疗性结盟来促进共同理解, 方式包括提供信息以及协助家庭成员之间的信息分享 治疗师需要认识到并回应家庭所经历的高度不适感, 又尤其是精神分裂症患者的脆弱性。 对参与和治疗性结盟增强关注或许可以改善服务机构中的行为家庭治疗的实施情况。 关键词:成人心理健康;社会心理和心理教育方法;治疗关系;质性研究