"The degree of a child's relationship dependence is a product of the particular balance of forces that promote and undermine emotional separation of the child from the family... When a parent and a child function in ways that undermine separation, the anxiety and undifferentiation of the parental generation are transmitted to the next generation." (Kerr & Bowen, 1988)

This workshop will examine a family systems understanding of psychological or social symptoms in children and adolescents. It will then look at how this thinking shapes the work of therapy.

Program:

Part 1 How theory makes sense of how a child's symptoms emerge from the family process.

• Understanding a child's/children's symptoms in the relationship context.
• The family projection process; triangles with children; anxiety and circular/reciprocal process; the hidden marital impasse
• Understanding the "fix my child focus".
• Working with a child-focused family.
• Ways that a service or clinician can reinforce the child focus.
• The therapist's use of self - how to avoid triangling.

Part 2 How thinking family systems translates into clinical work

• Moving from family therapy to parent coaching
• Dealing with risk & safety issues.
• Engaging with parents who want you to fix their child.
• How to open up a systems view in a collaborative manner.
• Avoiding a "blame the parent" experience.
• Systems treatment that reduces symptoms in the child
• Getting through the "parental we-ness".
• Identifying the systems leader - the 'I position' defined

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