Systemic Family Therapy offer update
Published: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
We were delighted to pioneer a project to provide Systemic Family Therapy support to a number of our adoptive families. During this two-year project we were able to partner with Marva Williams (Developmental Trauma and Attachment Team (DTAT) Team Manager) and Jessica Wolfe (Adoption Support Social Worker) to offer weekly family sessions.
These sessions offered families the opportunity to explore their challenges and work together towards finding new solutions. The aim of the sessions was not to take sides or to blame, or to provide answers. Rather, the aim was to engage family members in sharing understandings and exploring ways forward that worked for them, based upon the foundations of systemic practice.
When family members talk together it can lead to an increased understanding and a chance to appreciate each other’s needs. It can also provide an opportunity to build upon families’ strengths to make useful changes and to find new ways of dealing with their difficulties. Systemic family therapy is a therapeutic approach that views individuals within the context of their relationships and interactions. It emphasises understanding and improving the dynamics within a family or group to promote overall well-being and functionality (AFT).
By applying these principles in Adoption East Midlands (AEM) services, the aim was focused to enhance the support system for adoptive families alongside systemic consultation with AEM colleagues.
Many of our families highlighted the project’s positive impact on their lives, and have said that they noted improvements in family dynamics and communication which have contributed to a more harmonious home environment.
We are really pleased that the therapeutic hours involved in the project contributed towards Marva’s MSC advanced training as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, and that she has now fully qualified (awaiting registration with AFT and UKCP). Congratulations Marva and a massive thanks to Jess also for her continued support and contribution to the project.
As a team we are exploring how we can build on the foundations laid by this initial project and continue to offer this vital and beneficial support. We are considering several options, including extending the project to reach more families and collaborating with other systemic and family training organisations to broaden our support network. Keep an eye out on our website and future newsletter editions for further updates.
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