Multi‐problem families in intensive specialised multi‐family therapy: Theoretical description and case study report

Abstract

AbstractSome families experience chronic, severe and intergenerational problems across multiple domains in their lives. These multi‐problem families do not seem to benefit from standard treatment. For them, Intensive Specialized Multi‐Family Therapy (ISMFT) was developed at the Department of Family Psychiatry (DFP) of a mental health organization in the Netherlands. ISMFT is an integrative treatment based on multiple family therapy with added elements of solution‐focused therapy and a focus on the working alliance between families and therapists. This kind of intensive treatment for multi‐problem families is rare across Europe, and is often seen as a ‘last resort’ before a decision on out‐of‐home placement of the children is made. This paper describes the theoretical principles used in ISMFT and uses a case study of an anonymized family to describe the course of treatment and illustrate treatment principles. Practitioner points Offering multi‐family therapy helps families overcome feelings of isolation, maximises their own resources and provides opportunities for support and constructive criticism. Therapists have an important role in facilitating a safe group atmosphere, as well as challenging parents by voicing different perspectives and reflecting on parental behaviour. By making parents the expert on their own families, good treatment results can be achieved in therapy‐resistant multi‐problem families.