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Sabey AK, Lafrance A, Furrow J, Diamond G, Hughes D. A family reunion of "clinical cousins": Attachment and emotion in four family-oriented therapy models. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38649331 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Attachment theory and the science of emotion provide a strong foundation for intervention at the family system level. Four therapeutic models in particular, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, demonstrate how a broad and accurate view of attachment relationships and emotion can be utilized to effectively intervene for a variety of presenting problems in a relational and empathic way for all involved. This paper continues a conversation that began at the Summit for Attachment and Emotion in Family Therapy in 2021 and aims to foster openness, collaboration, and affirmation between four different models of family therapy with shared theoretical roots. The presenters at the Summit and the authors of this paper view similarities across these models as validating and differences as opportunities to serve more families in unique ways, learning from one another's creativity to promote healing within families in the most effective and efficient ways possible. The paper frames the value of attachment theory and emotion science for family therapy, discusses the importance of learning from a variety of models with shared theoretical roots, presents brief summaries of the four models presented at the Summit, compares the models for similarities and complementarities, and shares highlights from each of the presenters from the Summit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen K Sabey
- The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | | | - James Furrow
- School of Arts and Sciences, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guy Diamond
- Pearlman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Ansar N, Nissen Lie HA, Stiegler JR. The effects of emotion-focused skills training on parental mental health, emotion regulation and self-efficacy: Mediating processes between parents and children. Psychother Res 2024; 34:518-537. [PMID: 37311111 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2218539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) is a short-term parental intervention based on humanistic principles. While studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EFST in alleviating child mental health symptoms, the mechanisms by which this happens is less clear. The present study investigated whether program participation led to improvements in the parents' own mental health, emotion regulation, and self-efficacy, and compared two versions of EFST: one experiential involving evocative techniques, and one psychoeducational involving didactic teaching of skills. Further, this study investigated whether improvements in parent outcomes mediated the effects on children's mental health. All parents received 2-days group training and 6 h of individual supervision. Methods: 313 parents (Mage = 40.5, 75.1% mothers) of 236 children (ages 6-13, 60.6% boys) with mental health difficulties within the clinical range and their teachers (N = 113, 82% female) were included. Participants were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-, 8- and 12-months follow-up. Results: Multilevel analysis showed significant improvements over time on all parental outcomes with large effects (drange0.6-1.1, ps < .001), with fathers benefitting more in terms of emotion regulation and self-efficacy (ps < .05). Significant differences were found between conditions on parental mental health and self-efficacy (all p's > .05). Cross-lagged panel models showed indirect effects of child symptoms at post-intervention on all parental outcomes at 12-months follow-up (βrange0.30-0.59, ps < .05). Bidirectional associations were observed between children's mental health symptoms and parental self-efficacy (βrange0.13-0.30, ps < .05). Conclusion: This study provides support for the effect of EFST on parent outcomes and the reciprocal relationship between the mental health of children's and their parents.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03807336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Ansar
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jan Reidar Stiegler
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy, Bergen, Norway
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3
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Zahl-Olsen R, Severinsen L, Stiegler JR, Fernee CR, Simhan I, Rekdal SS, Bertelsen TB. Effects of emotionally oriented parental interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1159892. [PMID: 37519350 PMCID: PMC10374204 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1159892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effects of emotionally oriented parental interventions. Background Several emotionally oriented parental interventions have been developed during the last decade. Some of these have gained popularity and spread across several continents. The literature is growing and consists of qualitative studies; intervention only, quasi-experimental, case-control studies; and randomized controlled trials. They indicate effects for parents and children. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis has, to our knowledge, summarized the results. Method Using several search engines, we located 8,272 studies. After abstract and full-text screening, 33 studies were assessed for bias and included in the study. Outcomes for parents and children were extracted and combined into three constructs for parents and two for children. Meta-analyses were conducted for each construct to estimate the effect of the interventions using a robust Bayes meta-analysis. Results The results indicate the presence of a small to medium effect on parents' mental health, behavior, and use of emotionally oriented parenting, as well as on children's internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Most participants were recruited from the general population, and clinical settings were rare. The results show little evidence of publication bias. Conclusion There is evidence of a small to medium effect of emotionally oriented interventions on parents and children. Systematic review registration https://osf.io/un3q4/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Zahl-Olsen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Linda Severinsen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Carina Ribe Fernee
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Indra Simhan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Sondre Sverd Rekdal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
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Smith JA, Bandealy A, Browne DT. A case study of virtually delivered emotion-focused family therapy. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023. [PMID: 37365937 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Clinical psychologists and therapists are increasingly taking advantage of internet and mobile-based technologies to deliver mental health services for individuals and groups since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a dearth of research evaluating the appropriateness of virtual platforms for family interventions. Further, no research has examined the effectiveness of weekly emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT). This case study presents a virtually delivered 8-week EFFT intervention, which supported caregivers to manage child symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, facilitate emotion processing, and strengthen relationships. Two parents from one family during a marital separation participated and completed brief measures of therapeutic alliance, family functioning, parental self-efficacy, and parental and child psychological distress at 12 time points as well as a posttreatment semistructured interview. A strong therapeutic alliance was formed, and general family functioning, parental self-efficacy, parent psychopathology, and child depression, anger, and anxiety symptoms improved over the course of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson A Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment (CMHRT), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Dillon T Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment (CMHRT), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Miller EA. The Attachment Versus Differentiation Debate: Bringing the Conversation to Parent-Child Relationships. FAMILY PROCESS 2023; 62:483-498. [PMID: 35922893 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This article contributes to the attachment versus differentiation debate, bringing the conversation to parent-child relationships. While attachment theory's (AT) approach emphasizes bonding, Bowen family systems theory's (BFST) differentiation approach emphasizes emotional boundaries. They both suggest that balancing autonomy and connection is important, but AT conceptualizes this in terms of the parent's ability to meet the child's needs for autonomy and connection, while BFST conceptualizes this in terms of the parent's and child's ability to be connected due to mutual respect for each other's emotional boundaries. They similarly recognize that: (1) emotionally mature parents respect children individuality, (2) emotionally immature parents may project their needs and wishes onto children, and (3) emotionally mature parents focus on calming themselves to help their children to be calm. They differ in that: (1) BFST suggests that children may project their needs and wishes onto their parents and intrude on their parents' emotional boundaries, and AT does not conceptualize this; (2) BFST suggests that caregiver over-involvement may be experienced as positive for a child and program them to be excessively needy, and AT suggests that caregiver over-involvement is negative for children and neediness is caused by under-involved caregiving; and (3) BFST suggests that therapists should not try to be a parent to their clients as this can replicate the fusion that the client experienced with their parents, and AT suggests that therapists should try to be like a good parent to their clients to help them to develop more secure attachment styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Miller
- Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, Friends University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
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6
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Foroughe M, Browne DT, Thambipillai P, Cordeiro K, Muller RT. Brief emotion-focused family therapy: A 12-month follow-up study. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023; 49:394-410. [PMID: 36682069 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study provides a 12-month follow-up evaluation of caregivers after participating in a 2-day Emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT) intensive, a brief intervention for caregivers of youth struggling with mental health difficulties. Caregivers (N = 498) of children (N = 337) completed measures of caregiver self-efficacy and child mental health difficulties 1 week before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at 4, 8, and 12-month follow-ups. Piecewise latent trajectory models revealed that parental self-efficacy showed a large immediate increase following the intervention, β = 1.61 (1.32, 2.14), and although this effect was attenuated by 4 months, β = -0.77 (-1.31, -0.52), it did not change further by 12 months. Reductions in child mental health difficulties were observed by 4 months, β = -0.54 (-0.77, -0.37), and remained stable through the 12-month follow-up. Caregivers reporting more increases in self-efficacy also reported greater reductions in their children's symptoms at 4 and 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirisse Foroughe
- Emotion Transformation Lab, Family Psychology Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dillon T Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Robert T Muller
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Reed M, Bedard C, Perlman CM, Browne DT, Ferro MA. Family Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Mental Illness. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37362627 PMCID: PMC9958324 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02556-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that family dysfunction may be related to lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in parent caregivers, but it is unknown if this association exists in the context of child mental illness. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare HRQoL between parent caregivers and Canadian population norms using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36); examine associations between family functioning and parental HRQoL; and investigate whether child and parental factors moderate associations between family functioning and parental HRQoL. Cross-sectional data were collected from children receiving mental healthcare at a pediatric hospital and their parents (n = 97). Sample mean SF-36 scores were compared to Canadian population norms using t-tests and effect sizes were calculated. Multiple regression was used to evaluate associations between family functioning and parental physical and mental HRQoL, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Proposed moderators, including child age, sex, and externalizing disorder, and parental psychological distress, were tested as product-term interactions. Parents had significantly lower physical and mental HRQoL versus Canadian norms in most domains of the SF-36, and in the physical and mental component summary scores. Family functioning was not associated with parental physical HRQoL. However, lower family functioning predicted lower parental mental HRQoL. Tested variables did not moderate associations between family functioning and parental HRQoL. These findings support the uptake of approaches that strive for collaboration among healthcare providers, children, and their families (i.e., family-centered care) in child psychiatry settings. Future research should explore possible mediators and moderators of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Reed
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Chloe Bedard
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Christopher M. Perlman
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Dillon T. Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Mark A. Ferro
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada
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Brigance CA, Cottone RR. Addressing Infertility Through Family Therapy: An Emotionally-Focused Family Therapy Approach. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-022-09657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Ansar N, Nissen Lie HA, Zahl-Olsen R, Bertelsen TB, Elliott R, Stiegler JR. Efficacy of Emotion-Focused Parenting Programs for Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Study. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022; 51:923-939. [PMID: 35648636 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2079130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) is a 12-week parental program based on Emotion-Focused Therapy, developed to improve children and adolescents' mental health problems. METHODS In a randomized clinical dismantling study, including parents of 236 children and adolescents (ages 6-13, Mage 8.9, 60.6% boys, 95.8% Caucasian) with externalizing and/or internalizing problems within clinical range, we examined the efficacy of two versions of EFST: one experiential condition (n = 120) involving emotionally evocative techniques and two-chair interventions, and one psychoeducational only condition (n = 116) involving didactic teaching of emotion skills. Both groups received a 2-day group training and 6 hours of individual supervision. Outcomes were parent- and teacher-reported symptoms at baseline, posttreatment, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-up. Analyses were conducted using multilevel growth curve modeling and Bayesian post hoc analysis. RESULTS EFST showed efficacy in reducing parent-reported externalizing (b = -1.72, p < .001, d = 1.0) and internalizing (b = -1.71, p < .001, d = 0.9) symptoms, and teacher-reported externalizing (b = -.96, p < .001, d = 0.4), but not internalizing (b = -.13, p > .05, d = 0.2) symptoms. Multilevel analyses showed nonsignificant differences between conditions (all p's > .05), although a Bayesian longitudinal sensitivity analysis indicated a better outcome for the experiential condition. CONCLUSION EFST showed efficacy in symptom reduction for children and adolescents with internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Outcomes were maintained over 12 months for both conditions, supporting EFST as a transdiagnostic parental approach for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Ansar
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Oslo
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy
| | | | - Rune Zahl-Olsen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital
| | | | - Robert Elliott
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jan Reidar Stiegler
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy
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10
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Severinsen L, Stiegler JR, Nissen-Lie HA, Shahar B, Zahl-Olsen R. Effectiveness of emotion focused skills training for parents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in specialist mental health care. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:453. [PMID: 35799120 PMCID: PMC9261057 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) is a newly developed manualized skill training program for parents to strengthen emotional bonds between parents and children and improve mental health outcomes in children. Results from several preliminary trials indicate that EFST can be quite effective, but more rigorous methods are needed to affirm the evidence of the program. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of EFST to treatment as usual (TAU) in a Norwegian outpatient clinic for child and adolescent mental health. Additionally, the study will examine the basic theoretical assumption underlying EFST that increased parental emotional functioning predicts a decline in children's mental health symptoms. METHOD : 120 patients will be randomly assigned to either EFST or TAU. The main outcome measure is the semi-structured diagnostic interview Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, present and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) scored by trained assessors administered at pretreatment and repeated after 3 months. The secondary outcome measure is the DSM-IV version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) administered at pretreatment as well as 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. To examine the efficacy question, effect sizes and reliable change for each of the treatment arms will be assessed as well as symptom differences between the conditions. To examine the second aim of the study, we will examine (1) how parents relate to emotions in their children assessed by the Emotion-Related Parenting Styles (ERPS), (2) the parents' emotion regulation capacity assessed by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, short-form (DERS-SF), and (3) parents' sense of self-efficacy and the strength of their relationship with the child will be assessed by the relationship with child scale (RWC) of the systemic inventory of change. DISCUSSION This study will provide insights into the effectiveness of EFST in improving children's mental health and the mechanisms of change responsible for the program's effectiveness. Impotently, this study may provide information regarding whether children's mental health issues can be alleviated through therapeutic work provided to the parents alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT04885036 . First Posted on May 13, 2021. TRIAL STATUS In recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Severinsen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Postboks 416, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Problemveien 7, 0315, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jan Reidar Stiegler
- Institute for Psychological Counseling, Chr. Michelsens gate 4, 5012 Bergen, Norway
| | - Helene Amundsen Nissen-Lie
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Problemveien 7, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ben Shahar
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91905 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rune Zahl-Olsen
- grid.417290.90000 0004 0627 3712Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sorlandet Hospital, Postboks 416, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
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Sabey AK, Stillar A, Lafrance A. Processes and outcomes of an emotion-focused family therapy two-chair intervention for transforming problematic parenting patterns. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2022; 48:738-757. [PMID: 34931702 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT) is a therapy model which includes a two-chair intervention aimed at facilitating awareness and an interruption of problematic patterns of parenting as well as a reconnection to healthy caregiving instincts. The present study employed a task analysis to examine the process of this intervention with parents in a therapeutic setting and report on preliminary outcomes. Four trained EFFT therapists conducted chair work interventions with four parents (total of 16) and parents completed questionnaires directly following the intervention. Results indicated that most parents experienced significant emotional resolution of their love-based fears and an increase in confidence in supporting their children struggling with mental health issues. Use of the intervention in clinical settings is an effective and efficient way to support parents in responding to their children's mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen K Sabey
- The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Adele Lafrance
- School of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Cordeiro K, Wyers C, Oliver M, Foroughe M, Muller RT. Caregiver maltreatment history and treatment response following an intensive Emotion Focused Family Therapy workshop. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1728-1741. [PMID: 35373406 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This single-arm, repeated measures study investigated the impact caregiver trauma history may have on treatment response following an intensive, 2-day Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) caregiver workshop. Caregivers (n = 243) completed questionnaires regarding their child's emotion regulation and clinical symptoms, as well as their own childhood trauma history (i.e., exposure to various forms of child maltreatment), caregiver self-efficacy and caregiver blocks (e.g., fears) to support their child's treatment and recovery. Questionnaires were administered prior to and immediately following the workshop and again 4, 8 and 12 months later. At baseline, caregivers who reported experiences of childhood maltreatment demonstrated more blocks compared with caregivers who did not (B = 6.35, SE = 2.62, p < 0.05). Results indicated that caregivers with and without maltreatment histories reported similar, significant gains in their child's total difficulties (B = 0.64, SE = 0.41, p = 0.12) and emotional negativity and lability (B = 0.51, SE = 0.48, p = 0.29) at 12-month post-workshop. Caregivers with maltreatment histories reported greater improvements in caregiver blocks (B = 5.15, SE = 1.34, p < 0.001) and child emotion regulation (B = 0.90, SE = 0.18, p < 0.001) than caregivers without maltreatment histories. They also report less, but still significant, improvement in parental self-efficacy (B = -0.68, SE = 0.26, p < 0.01) when compared with caregivers without maltreatment histories. Findings suggest that EFFT workshops may be an acceptable and effective trans-diagnostic intervention for families presenting with complex histories, including caregiver exposure to childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Cordeiro
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cassandra Wyers
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Oliver
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Robert T Muller
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Watson JC, Ho C, Boham M. Advancing the Counseling Profession Through Intervention Research. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jcad.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C. Watson
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
| | - Chia‐Min Ho
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
| | - Mikaela Boham
- Department of Kinesiology and Military Science Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
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Emotion-focused parenting interventions for prevention and treatment of child and adolescent mental health problems: a review of recent literature. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2020; 33:586-601. [PMID: 32858599 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent studies on emotion-focused parenting interventions to provide clinicians with knowledge about how these approaches might be used in prevention and treatment of mental health difficulties for children, adolescents and their families. RECENT FINDINGS A number of emotion-focused parent interventions are reported in the literature, including emotion coaching/communication parenting programs, emotion-focused family therapy, attachment-focused parenting interventions (including those that address parental reflective functioning/mentalization), mindfulness parenting programs and behavioral programs with added emotion components. All target emotions or emotional communication to assist parents and children understand and work through emotional experiences so they are less likely to impede healthy functioning. These interventions target four main domains: exploring family of origin or early attachment/relational experiences with emotion, targeting parents' own emotion awareness and regulation, shifting parents responses to or communication with their children when emotions occur, and promoting parents' skills for assisting children to regulate emotions and behavior. This review from the last 18 months found 50 studies that evaluated programs addressing these domains. SUMMARY Whilst the dominant approach in evidence-based parenting programs has been teaching behavioral strategies, it has been recognized that a focus on emotion-related processes is important. This is especially when working to improve the attachment relationship or when parents and children experience emotion dysregulation. This review demonstrates extensive evidence to support emotion-focused parenting interventions.
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Wilhelmsen-Langeland A, Aardal H, Hjelmseth V, Fyhn KH, Stige SH. An Emotion Focused Family Therapy workshop for parents with children 6-12 years increased parental self-efficacy. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2019.1655921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ane Wilhelmsen-Langeland
- Norwegian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (NIEFT), Institute for Psychological Counselling, Bergen, Norway
| | - H. Aardal
- Norwegian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (NIEFT), Institute for Psychological Counselling, Bergen, Norway
| | - V. Hjelmseth
- Norwegian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (NIEFT), Institute for Psychological Counselling, Bergen, Norway
| | - K. H. Fyhn
- Norwegian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy (NIEFT), Institute for Psychological Counselling, Bergen, Norway
| | - S. H. Stige
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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