Families on both sides of the mirror: a structural variation of the multiple family therapy model

摘要

A variation of the multiple family therapy model was designed that gave client families opportunities to observe each other\u27s therapy and to provide feedback on their observations. This qualitative study allowed the participants to assist in the design, principally by deciding how to give their feedback to one another;Using families as therapeutic teams behind a one-way mirror helped diminish the mystique often associated with such technology. This unique process also gave the families opportunities to be helpful and enjoy the benefits of that role;The reactions and descriptions of the participants were analyzed using an organizing system devised by Tesch (1990), which was modified for this study. The Major Categories of responses included: Research Format and Procedure, Therapeutic Interaction, Similarities Between Families, Differences Between Families, Focus on Own Family, and Focus On Other Family. Minor Categories included: Focus on Therapist, Discussion of Problems in General Terms, and Distracting Behaviors;The development of therapeutic interaction behind the one-way mirror was a significant finding. The observer families engaged the researcher in a therapy interview as the therapy interview with the other family was in process. These simultaneous conversations on either side of the mirror were strikingly similar in content and tone;The families formed strong relationships during the study protocol, an additional benefit of families participating in therapy together. The research requirements were coordinated with the therapy needs of the client families so that the research was accomplished without interfering with the therapy. In fact, the research enhanced the therapy. This study demonstrates that research and therapy can occur simultaneously and that both are enhanced in the process.