TRAINING FAMILY THERAPISTS TO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: A MODIFIED DELPHI STUDY

• Published in: Journal of marital and family therapy 2004-10, Vol.30 (4), p.479-495
• Main Authors: Sori PhD, Catherine Ford, Sprenkle PhD, Douglas H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude of Health Personnel; Behavior disorders; Child; Child Development; Child psychology; Child Welfare; Children; Children & youth; Counseling Effectiveness; Counseling Techniques; Counselor Training; Creativity; Delphi Technique; Families & family life; Family Counseling; Family Problems; Family therapists; Family Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Interviews; Male; Marital Therapy - methods; Marriage; Marriage Counseling; Middle Aged; Parent-Child Relations; Play Therapy; Practice Patterns, Physicians; Professional-Family Relations; Questionnaires; Role; Supervisor Supervisee Relationship; Surveys and Questionnaires; Therapy; Training Methods; United States
• ISSN: 0194-472X; 1752-0606
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2004.tb01257.x

This study examined child inclusion issues and training marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to treat children. This modified Delphi study utilized a panel of experts, and gathered data through questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Panelists believe children should participate in family therapy sessions for both child and adult problems, except when parents are discussing sex or sensitive issues. Child‐focused courses should emphasize developmental issues, engaging techniques, theoretical issues, play therapy theory, MFT treatment for child disorders, and specific child/family problems. Panelists suggest numerous child‐focused references, but reached consensus for only one. Key therapist attributes and skills were identified. Deductive and inductive training methods and the role of supervision were highlighted. Although therapist playfulness and creativity were emphasized, few play techniques were included in the final profile.