Family and family therapy in the Netherlands

Abstract

This article describes how families are functioning in the Netherlands, and how family therapy is used in mental healthcare. In the open Dutch society, new ideas are easily incorporated, as exemplifi ed by the rapid introduction and growth of family therapy in the 1980s. In recent decades, however, family therapy has lost ground to other treatment models that are more individually orientated, and adhere to stricter protocols. This decline of family therapy has been exacerbated by recent budget cuts in mental healthcare. In regular healthcare institutes family therapy now has a marginal position at best, although family treatment models are used in specifi c areas such as forensic treatments. In addition, the higher trained family therapists have found their own niches to work with couples and families. We argue that a stronger position of family therapy would be benefi cial for patients and for families, in order to counteract the strong individualization of Dutch society.

The role of relatives in pathways to care of patients with a first episode of psychosis

“…This finding, which is different from that found in other studies carried out in Europe (Compton et al, 2006), probably reflects the peculiar Italian socio-cultural background. In fact, compared to other countries (Jojic et al, 2012; Okasha, Elkholy, & El-Ghamry, 2012; Thomas, 2012; Wagenaar & Baars, 2012), social ties remained fairly stable in Italy, in particular as regards family organization, which is still the fundamental social institution, characterized by strong ties and based on mutual aid of all family members (Luciano et al, 2012).…”

Researching what we practice—The paradigm of systemic family research: Part 2

“…Observation of this updated iteration of the paradigm would enable the application of relevant systemic research methods that coincide with the goals of a multitude of organizations that promote the interest of systemic therapy around the world (e.g., International Family Therapy Organization [IFTA], American Family Therapy Association [AAFT], European Family Therapy Association [EFTA]) (Lyness, 2020; Northey, 2009). All family therapy organizations share a commitment that emphasizes scientific and rigorous training standards, and in some countries, the job of the family therapist is an established profession, while in others efforts are ongoing to obtain recognition and statutory licensing (Borcsa et al, 2013; Józefik et al, 2013; Lee et al, 2013; Moloney, 2013; Northey, 2009; Relvas et al, 2013; Wagenaar & Baars, 2012; Welter‐Enderlin, 2005). EFTA formulates these as efforts “to achieve recognition for family and systemic therapy as a distinct, scientifically‐based form of psychotherapy practice and to ensure rigorous standards of training and professional practice throughout Europe” (EFTA Training Standards, Section 2.1).…”