Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Groupwork in family-centered practice: multiple family group (What is…
Groupwork in family-centered practice: multiple family group
What is
consisting of members of 2 or more families, representing at least 2 generations in each family and present for all or most of sessions
explicit focus of meetings is on problems or concerns shared by all families & pertaining to cross-generational interaction; patterns of interfamilial interaction are emphasized
actual / potential alliances among members of different families based on similarities of age, sex, focal problem or family role are fostered for therapeutic purpose
intensity / family focus differentiates multiple family group practice from other group work involving similar population and problems
bringing together a number of families with a common concern/problem & helping them resolve their difficulties with their won resources
connecting families to build up social support network
blend of group therapy and family therapy
ecosystemic-social constructionist framework
locate problem in relational context or to contextualize the problem
individual / family tell their story or enact their issues in front of a group of people who are asked to comment
the concept of 'outsider witnesses', individuals' & families' stories, relationships & identity become enriched by listening to groups' retelling of these stories
other families add to person & families' narrative resources by sharing experiences from their lives, triggered by stories of family in focus --> open up multi-verse for new curious enquiry
Group structure
close/ open
number of families served: 3-8 families, in average 4 families
length of session: 1.5 -2.5 hrs, 6 hrs for whole day program
number of therapist: 2 plus 1 -3 helpers
voluntary/ mandatory participation
composition of groups: index client, parents/ grand parent (main carer) & siblings
practice wisdom
group structure: homogeneous group e.g. stage of family life cycle & concern
here-and-now context
create context for negotiation of voice of 2 generations
need other professional services e.g. individual & family counseling, psychiatric & developmental assessment & treatment
therapist is a active & enthusiastic observer, listener & facilitator who are skillful in facilitating interaction of inter and intra-familial interaction and exchanges
with expansion of narrative approach, great potential to be developed into social concern group / social action group
application in west
start in psychiatric hospital
intensive multiple family day program for families with multiple problems
family school
intensive day care program for adolescents with eating disorders
3 major types of client groups
families with member dealing with psychiatric problems
families with members facing medical difficulties
at risk families dealing with wide array of problems usually related to children
development in HK
mutual help group for families with special needs
mutual help & self-help groups for families with psychotic patients
single-parent families
Families of Chinese Schizophrenic patients
MFG with school refusals
MFG with families with parenting difficulties
MFG in foster care service