Training Family Therapists to Work With Children and Families: A Modified Delphi Study

Abstract

This study examined child inclusion issues and training marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to treat children. This modified Delphi study utilized a panel of experts, and gathered data through questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Panelists believe children should participate in family therapy sessions for both child and adult problems, except when parents are discussing sex or sensitive issues. Child-focused courses should emphasize developmental issues, engaging techniques, theoretical issues, play therapy theory, MFT treatment for child disorders, and specific child/family problems. Panelists suggest numerous child-focused references, but reached consensus for only one. Key therapist attributes and skills were identified. Deductive and inductive training methods and the role of supervision were highlighted. Although therapist playfulness and creativity were emphasized, few play techniques were included in the final profile.

Marriage and Family Therapists’ Ability to Diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome: A Vignette Study

“…Considering that the child in the vignette was eight years old, the fact that only 30.4% of the sample provided a diagnosis from the class of Childhood disorders was surprising. This finding may support the family therapy literature related to MFTs' lack of experience and discomfort working with children (Anderson & Reynolds, 1996;Bailey, 2001;Johnson & Thomas, 1999;Korner & Brown, 1990;Sori & Sprendle, 2004).…”

Competencies needed by Korean HRD master's graduates: A comparison between the ASTD WLP competency model and the Korean study

“…A modified version of the Delphi technique was used for this study. Many Delphi studies have used the modified version of the Delphi method (for example, Campbell, Cantrill, & Roberts, 2000;Custer et al, 1999;Meijer, Ihnenfeldt, Vermeulen, De Haan, & Van Limbeek, 2003;Sori & Sprenkle, 2004;Watkins & Bacon, 2004). The major modification consists in using a structured questionnaire during the first round and asking panels to rate items prepared by the researcher (Martino, 1983).…”

Medical Family Therapy: Charting a Course in Competencies

“…In this study, the Delphi technique was modified to include two phases of questionnaires in an effort to reduce panelist attrition (Stone Fish and Busby 2005). This modified format has also been utilized in other MFT-related Delphi studies (e.g., Godfrey et al 2006;Jenkins 1996;Sori and Sprenkle 2004;Stone Fish and Osborn 1992;White and Russell 1995;White et al 1997). Findings reported in this article are not representative of all of the results from the modified Delphi study that was conducted to identify the contemporary definition, scope, and practice of MedFT.…”