title: Training family therapists to work with children and families: a modified Delphi study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychology and Counseling, Governors State University, University Park, Illinois 60466-0975, USA. C-sori@govst.edu
authors.forename: Catherine Ford
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Sori
authors.forename: Douglas H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Sprenkle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States