The Reflecting Team Process In Training

Abstract

The process of evolution of a reflecting team in live supervision sessions is discussed. Theoretical ramifications for systemic training of systemic family therapy are explored and feedback from trainer, trainees and client families about the use of the reflecting team is presented.

The reflecting team as a reflection of second order therapeutic ideals

“…There is some consensus in the literature about the guidelines for the use of language in the R.T.P. For instance, Young et al (1989) Davidson et al (1988) and Roberts et al (1989) also stress the need for reflecting team members to be sensitive, respectful and speculative (though not necessarily positively connoting). However, to our knowledge there is no discussion around the issue of pushing or not pushing for change.…”

A Reflecting Team Approach to Family Therapy: A Delphi Study

“…Authors suggest various room configurations, from the team remaining silent behind a one-way mirror until the family overhears their discussions (Andersen, 1987;Young et al, 1989) to keeping an imaginary boundary in the same room between the family and team (Davidson et al, 1988;Smith, Jenkins, & Sells, 1995) to the therapist and client of the same gender speaking alone in the room while members of the other gender watch from behind the mirror (Miller & Lax, 1988). Additionally, the reflecting team has been described as composed of as few as one member (Wangberg, 1991) to as many as seven members (Young et al, 1989). Beyond the size of the team, the composition of the team is considered more important than the type of family seen or the severity of the presenting problem (Young et al, 1989).…”

“…Additionally, the reflecting team has been described as composed of as few as one member (Wangberg, 1991) to as many as seven members (Young et al, 1989). Beyond the size of the team, the composition of the team is considered more important than the type of family seen or the severity of the presenting problem (Young et al, 1989). Some suggest that the reflecting team should be composed of only therapists and the family (Andersen, 1987); others suggest it be balanced by team members of both genders (Sells, Smith, Coe, Yoshioka, & Robbins, 1994;Smith et al, 1995) or by a combination of therapists, clients, and peers (Aderman & Russell, 1990).…”

The Reflecting Team: A Training Method for Family Counselors

“…Young et al (1989) reported that the trainer in their study enjoyed RT work because it was consistent with her ''egalitarian values.'' However, more recently, Young et al (1997) found that, while trainers thought the RT format leveled the hierarchy, trainees did not always agree.…”