Somerset's family interventions in psychosis service: an update

Abstract

This paper describes a project in which family interventions in psychosis services were successfully established in a routine clinical setting. This has involved the development of a whole‐team training approach, an accredited one‐year training course, and a clinical approach which integrates the systemic and cognitive‐behavioural psychoeducational approaches. Since the original description of this project (Burbach and Stanbridge, 1998) the training course and service have been evaluated and the clinical approach has been further developed. These developments, particularly the ‘cognitive interactional’ approach and collaborative therapeutic stance, are detailed. The paper explores the factors which have contributed to the successful establishment and maintenance of the service, and describes more recent initiatives to bring about more family/carer‐friendly mental health services.

How people with psychosis positively contribute to their family: a grounded theory analysis

“…Skill and care is needed in order to help family members to encourage their relative to contribute without criticism or over‐involvement (high expressed emotion), which are unhelpful (Kuipers et al , 1992). Such interventions fit with approaches to family interventions in psychosis that include exploring and building on the individual and family's competencies and strengths as part of integrating systemic and psycho‐social interventions (for example, Burbach and Stanbridge, 2006; Meddings et al , 2009).…”

Implementing family intervention within forensic services: The perspectives of clinical staff

“…However, despite the number of barriers mitigating against the delivery of family intervention, some services have been successful in implementing family interventions within general mental health services, including the community services supporting those experiencing psychosis (Burbach & Stanbridge, 2006;Fadden, 1997;Kelly & Newstead, 2004;Smith & Velleman, 2002;Stanbridge & Burbach, 2007).…”

Forgotten family members: the importance of siblings in early psychosis

“…Family interventions in psychosis have been found to decrease relapse rates, psychotic symptoms, burden of care and hospital admission rates, and improve treatment compliance, social functioning and health outcomes …”