1. Aurora Bracelli 1

2. 2

3. WORKSHOP PLAN Review: 3 Papers Review: 3 Papers Lobatto, W. (2002) Lobatto, W. (2002) Dowling, E. (1993) Dowling, E. (1993) Rober, Peter (1998) Rober, Peter (1998) Case Study White and Epston’s (1990) Role Play Case Study White and Epston’s (1990) Role Play Feedback Feedback 3

4. 4 Lobatto, W. (2002) Talking to Children about Family Therapy: a qualitative research study. Journal of Family Therapy 24: 330-343

5.  Korner & Brown (1990)  Reasons  Therapist’s Discomfort  Sensitivity issues  Reasons to Include:  Externalising; White & Epston (1990). 5

6. Lobatto’s curiosity aroused Therapist’s position? Lobatto found that........children appreciated therapist being in an active as well as more passive but alert position, moving between adapted questions and including their parents.......therapist’s listening skills was also important........ Discuss 6

7. 7 Dowling. E (1993) Are family therapists listening to the young? A psychological perspective Journal of Family Therapy 15, 403-411

8. Reviews Attachment Theory in order to understand children in the developmental context He draws attention to the implications for work undertaken in the therapy session, with focus on the parent-child relationship 8

9. Attaining Secure Pattern May represent a therapy goal Internal Working Model Developed through interactions between child/caregiver Attachment Style organisation of thought and language view of self and others 9

10. Can Attachment Theory provide a framework for understanding interactions that is helpful to therapist and client? Can Attachment Theory promote parental understanding of the child’s behaviours as developmental expression of need? Can Attachment Theory promote reframing of anger/anxiety as a reflection of frustration or uncertainty in context of relationship with parent? 10

11. Parental responsibilities - acknowledging that parenthood brings demands and constraints Therapists can create space for parents to think about the impact of their decisions for their children Examination of child’s perception of events [holding in mind developmental issues] - may assist in promoting understanding of complex emotions surrounding difficulties and dilemmas 11 Discuss

12. Attachment research shows coherent narratives are critical to the development of security in adulthood, and.... Acknowledges importance and need for children to make sense of experiences, also.... Assists parents to pay attention to how child might be experiencing a situation - co-construct narratives (through curiosity and reflection) 12

13. 13 Rober, Peter (1998) Reflections on ways to create a safe therapeutic culture for children in family therapy. Family Process 37: 201-213

14.  When a family comes to therapy, they tell a story, with a selection of things told and other things left untold (White and Epston, 1990; Rober, P 1998)  Rober is a Clinical Psychologist as well as a trained Family Therapist.  He stresses the importance of children as well as their parents/carers being involved and engaged in family therapy.  States that the exclusion of children is sometimes planned, but for most family therapists is often a default position......What are some possible reasons? 14

15. Family therapists are not at ease with non-verbal orientated techniques - they prefer verbal modes of communication The unpredictability of non-verbal techniques General unpredictability of children - combination of these often too risky for some therapists Lastly he points towards the therapists’ own experiences of childhood, which can also have an impact on their ability to engage the child. 15

16. Rober refers to the importance of creating a safe therapeutic culture for the family. He cites Pare’s (1996) description: “The meeting of two cultures” to describe the process of therapy. He gives attention and values basic counselling skills eg empathy and respect, and states how their use can facilitate a context wherein families are more likely to tell their story. 16

17. Are children in therapy spontaneous, open and likely to reveal what they are thinking/feeling? Consider the formality of this situation.... Do you find it conducive to openness and spontaneity? Rober thinks not! Instead believes children are often cautious The world is a complex place and one can’t predict the reaction of some adults To some extent I agree. However I also have experienced some children to be open and spontaneous. What do you think? Discuss 17

18. Rober provided the following guidelines to move the therapist toward creating a safe therapeutic culture for the child: being prepared a good start communication and play siblings parents word interpretations and therapist Engage with experimental learning 18

19. Small Group Role-Play ‘Externalising the Problem’ - White & Epston (1990) groups of 5 people 1 person for each family member (mother + 2 children) 1 person therapist + 1 observer You have 20 mins (15-min role-play + 5-min feedback) Case study 19

20. 20 FEEDBACK PLEASE

21. Dowling, E (1993) Are family therapists listening to the young? A psychological perspective Journal of Family Therapy 15, 403-411 Korner, S. & Brown, G. (1990) Exclusion of children from family psychotherapy: Family Therapists Beliefs & Practices. Journal of Family Psychology, 3: 420-430 Lobatto, W. (2002) Talking to Children about Family Therapy: a qualitative research study, Journal of Family Therapy 24: 330-343 Moore, L., Seu, B. (2011) Giving Children a Voice: children’s positioning in family therapy, Journal of Family Therapy 33: 279-301 Rober, Peter (1998) Reflections on ways to create a safe therapeutic culture for children in family therapy. Family Process 37: 201-213 Stith, S., Rosen, K., McCollum, E., Coleman, J., Herman, S.S. (1996) The Voices of Childre: Pre-adolescent Childrens’ Experiences in Family Therapy. Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 22: 69-86 Strickland-Clark, L., Campbell, D. & Dallos, R. (2000) Children’s & Adolescent’s Views on Family Therapy. Journal of Family Therapy, 22: 324-341 White, M., Epston, D (1990) Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. London: Norton 21