The Family Model is a tool with emerging potential to improve family focused practice. We want to increase uptake and use of TFM and broaden the network of clinician and manager expertise. Establishing a community of practice is one of our key objectives. Let us know about your experience using the approach. We can assist with questions and provide information about training, supervision, consultation or coaching. There are a range of options to suit your needs. These include developing and delivering generic or bespoke training and education programs, workshops or masterclasses, based on individual, team or service needs. We work with clinicians, managers, researchers, multi-disciplinary teams and cross agency forums. Consultation for parents, children & young people and for families can also be provided.
References to The Family Model
The basis for investing in family focused practice is strengthened by the existence of a number of models/frameworks, including The Family Model, which formed the conceptual basis for the first comprehensive training programme on the impact of parental mental illness on children (Crossing Bridges, 1998).
In their comprehensive textbook, Andrea Reupert and colleagues included The Family Model as one of 4 key conceptual frameworks (Reupert and colleagues, 2016).
They noted that TFM:
“… is developmentally framed, with a focus on children’s ages and stages, as well as a longitudinal approach that incorporates ‘the background events and circumstances leading to the current presentation as well as future circumstances’. This broad lifespan approach is important in the model given that the context of TFM Handbook is on service/workforce change, and the particular need to refocus health services away from individuals and towards families in childrens and adult services. Given that the aim of the model is to highlight workforce responses, the need for prevention and early intervention services is emphasised as, too, is the development of family-centred policies, staff training and local implementation groups.”
Comments About The Family Model
“Good, I enjoyed that, I learned quite a bit. The boy (depressed, unforthcoming 15-yr-old, admitted following suicide attempt) really opened up. I was surprised. I think he needed to see his father talking more openly and saying how much he worried about his son and how much he loves him. And how similar they are – don’t think father had talked openly about his own depression. Thank you.” (psychiatry trainee, observing a single session with a family in hospital)
Clinicians
Adult and child psychiatrist talking with a depressed mother who was worried about bringing her children to a family meeting:
Child psychiatrist: Do you worry you might upset your children if you talk to them about your difficulties?
Adult psychiatrist: Do you worry you might upset yourself?
Clinicians
I was new to the team and using the approach as a training exercise helped us all ‘get on the same page’. We now have a regular time each week to share experiences using TFM. Everyone values this time to share and learn. Thank you for facilitating.
Managers
This (TFM session) has been very helpful for me as I’m not a person who likes to let out my feelings so I feel like this is a good way to let out what I’m feeling with/to my family.
14-yr-old with depression and suicidal thoughts
It was so good to hear from my 2 daughters about how they felt. I’ve been so worried and now I can do something with them.
Mother with depression
The session was helpful. It was good to see a visual map of the emotions/feelings/needs in the family. It was also good to hear the kids’ concerns. It was also really helpful to have a moderated discussion. That meant we were able to participate on the same level as our children.
Father of a depressed and anxious 16-yr-old daughter