Case study 28.3

Possible answer to: What do you think made Jasbir and his family think they were being judged?

A number of factors may have played a part including:

• Jasbir and his family were unsure of the role and purpose of family therapy and perceived the object of the sessions were to support the family to help Dev. This confusion increased as the sessions unfolded.
• The family view was they were being told what to do and may have been confused and irritated if they were unclear of the reason for these orders/requests. This also may indicate to the family that they are not viewed as collaborators by the therapists. It could also potentially lead to the family seeing themselves as being at fault in the eyes of the therapists.
• The family could perceive the therapist statement to desist from interrupting the discussion when trying to support Jasbir’s daughter as indicating they did not appreciate the family support for one of its members.
• The refusal of the therapy team to discuss the family’s concerns outside of the therapy sessions.

Possible answer to: What could the family therapy team do to make the experience more carer friendly?

A number of approaches could be used including:

• Discussing the family therapy approach with Jasbir and his family before the commencement of the session; to ensure that the family are aware of the what family therapy entails, why it is being proposed, how it is practised, and the hoped for outcome.
• Jasbir and his family are clear about the rationale for using family therapy and are in agreement with this.
• Identifying an individual member of the mental health centre not involved with the therapy to liaise with the family during the period of family therapy.
• The family therapy team being more sensitive to the characteristics, perceptions expectations, and culture of the family throughout all of the sessions.
• The family therapy team giving a clear indication that they are working collaboratively with everyone involved in the family therapy sessions  
• The family therapy team acknowledging the difficulties faced by the family.

The family therapy team acknowledging the expertise of the family in dealing with difficult situations.