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Understanding the complex family experiences of Behavioural Family Therapy
Author(s) -
O'Hanlon Brendan,
Hayes Laura,
Perlesz Amaryll,
Harvey Carol
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/1467-6427.12139
Subject(s) - family therapy , disappointment , alliance , psychology , vulnerability (computing) , psychotherapist , psychological intervention , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , qualitative research , therapeutic relationship , clinical psychology , psychiatry , social science , computer security , sociology , political science , computer science , law
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