Wiley: Journal of Family Therapy: Table of Contents

Epistemology and Ontology in Family Therapy: A ‘Holding’ of Both

Tasos Travasaros — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the changes brought to family therapy by the advent of postmodern philosophy. We examine the role of social constructionism in this context and distinguish its various versions based on their realist or anti-realist perspectives. We argue that contemporary family therapy should not be ontologically mute, as is currently the case in some approaches. Family therapy must incorporate both epistemology and ontology into a coherent philosophy of therapeutic practice. We highlight that the realism or anti-realism of the philosophy adopted by the therapist does not necessarily determine the authoritarian or non-authoritarian nature of his therapeutic practice. This is exemplified by new models of family therapy that are not ontologically mute but place significant emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. We suggest a therapeutic stance of collaborative or critical knowing, as we believe it can more effectively address the polarities inherent in the therapeutic process.

From Rules to Reflexivity: The Development of Ethical Positioning in Systemic Trainees

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

We have temporarily withdrawn this article while a review of specific text is underway. This action is taken to ensure accuracy and integrity.

An Evaluation of Embedded Foundation Training in Systemic Practice Within a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme

Christopher Loh, Simon Lai, Laura Tierney, Helen Pote — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

Embedded systemic trainings have recently gained popularity in Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programmes due to increased recognition and government funding. However, limited evaluations have been completed to understand both student experience and the effectiveness of the embedded training. As part of piloting the new systemic pathway in the DClinPsy programme at Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), we recruited students from our 2023 cohort for the evaluation. We developed the Systemic Competence Survey (SCS) to evaluate the embedded Foundation Training in Systemic Practice (FTSP) quantitatively and qualitatively. The SCS demonstrated that participants improved their self-reported systemic knowledge, especially in applying the family life cycle framework. However, confidence in practical competencies showed minimal growth. Qualitative data highlighted the abstract nature of systemic ideas and a structural misalignment where compulsory FTSP precedes appropriate placement opportunities. This suggests the need to better align the timing of FTSP with practical application to enhance skill acquisition and meet key learning outcomes.

Navigating the Relational Labyrinth: Systemic Insights Into Engaging ‘Hard to Reach’ Youth in UK Adolescent Services

Nasif Nijabat — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore the relational dynamics influencing engagement with young people identified as hard to reach within a local authority youth offending service in East London. Grounded in critical realism and decolonial ontology, the study sought to uncover underlying social structures and power relations that shape engagement processes, whilst also valuing the lived experiences of both young people and practitioners. A Foucault and Quijano-informed thematic discourse analysis of ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews revealed a complex interplay of micro-level relational dynamics and macro-level structural and systemic influences. Findings highlight the limitations of the HTR label and punctuate the need for systemic interventions that address power imbalances, cultural assumptions, and historical injustices.

Genocide in Gaza: An Ethical Challenge for Systemic Therapists

Gwyn Daniel, Chris Mannings, Joanne Early, Caroleen Bray, Amy Timms — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

In this paper we explore how a particular event—a genocidal war on Gaza—constitutes a rupture point, creating profound perturbations at many levels; for professional communities, as well as for citizens of the world. We argue that it requires systemic therapists to hold up to scrutiny some core conceptual frameworks and to rethink therapeutic responses. We address the question of how systemic frameworks can be utilised to analyse this unfolding catastrophe and the processes driving it, but we also argue that some are inadequate or evasive in grappling with the ethical questions which confront us. Given the scale of suffering, we raise questions about how to extend the parameters of our understandings of trauma and we explore what therapeutic approaches might possibly be of use. We share the ways in which colleagues in Gaza—through ongoing practices of psychological survival—continue to inform and enrich us. We explore the question of what responsibilities systemic therapists should assume and we give an example of work with a team in Gaza which includes witnessing, narrative and liberation psychology practices. We allude to how the war on Gaza impacts upon relationships with professional colleagues and within our agencies.

How Can We Talk About Sex in Couple Therapy? A Qualitative Study of Clients' Experiences and Needs for Conversations About Their Sexual Relationship

Karoline Møller, Anne Grasaasen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

This article presents a qualitative study exploring clients' experiences talking about their sexual relationships in couple therapy, and their wishes for how these conversations should unfold. Semi-structured interviews from 10 therapy processes were analysed through systematic text condensation. The findings are presented in the categories: The need to thematize sexual issues, Barriers to good thematization of sexual issues and Significance of thematization of sexual issues in the time afterward. All participants wanted sexuality to be thematised, yet this occurred in only half of the therapy processes. Due to the vulnerability associated with initiating such dialogues, clients wanted therapists to take the initiative, and address sexual issues in depth, with comfort and sensitivity. A thorough treatment of the topic helped the couple continue to manage discussions afterward. The study suggests that barriers to communication about sexuality lie with clients, the therapist, and how clients experience the skills of the therapist.

Impact of Drug and Alcohol Use on Family, Work, Emotional and Leisure Time Life

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

While numerous studies examine the characteristics of families affected by psychoactive substance (PAS) use, less attention has been given to the broader impact of substance use on key aspects of family life. This study explores the effects of PAS consumption on four dimensions: family dynamics, work, emotional well-being, and leisure time. A 30-item instrument was developed and administered to 681 family members of individuals receiving treatment for PAS consumption at 17 specialised centres nationwide. Data were collected electronically with the assistance of trained therapists and analysed using the pandas library for data processing and matplotlib for data visualisation. Results indicate that all dimensions were negatively affected, with family dynamics showing the most significant deterioration, characterised by increased conflict and tension. Emotional well-being, leisure time and work productivity were also adversely impacted. This study offers initial insights into an under-researched area and highlights the need for targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Ethnography: Learning How to Ask

Inga‐Britt Krause — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

In this research methods article, it is argued that the issue of ‘learning how to ask’ is central to both ethnography and clinical practice. The paper describes ethnography and participant observation in qualitative research, arguing that ethnography is an ethical, political and disciplined approach. A short history of anthropology is provided, including the colonial setting of its origin. The article then describes what is involved in carrying out ethnography, how material, often referred to as data, is accessed, and how this material may be analysed. The close involvement of the person and the body of the researcher(s) in these processes is explained. The article makes a distinction between anthropology, ethnography and participant observation in relation to how these capture the processes of everyday life. In conclusion, the author argues for the need to recognise plurality, reflexivity and sustainability in relationships between researchers and systemic psychotherapists and their interlocutors.

Adult Survivors' Perceptions of Parents' Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure: Helpful and Unhelpful Responses

Darrian M. McKiernan, Lenore McWey, Lisa Schelbe — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

Child sexual abuse (CSA) can lead to a host of adverse outcomes, and disclosing it can be an important part of the healing process. Most research in this area focuses on children who disclose, yet survivors often delay disclosure until adulthood, typically because of worries about parental responses. To strengthen awareness of perceived helpful and unhelpful parental reactions to adult child sexual abuse disclosure, this study presents results of a grounded theory investigation of adult survivors' (N = 15) perceptions of their parents' responses to CSA disclosure. Results centre on the survivors' views of parents' reactions, questions, behaviours, positionality and follow-up actions in response to the disclosure. Participants also shared how the familial context shaped responses and ongoing parent–child discussions following disclosure. The resultant grounded theory highlights relational processes that hindered or strengthened the parent–child relationship. Findings provide insights for family therapists and researchers.

Blended Support of Attachment in Families: A Case Study of FamilieLink

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

Attachment ruptures, when children struggle to trust in parental availability and support, are linked to increased risk of psychopathology. Preventing or repairing these ruptures is important for fostering secure attachment and promoting family mental health. FamilieLink is a blended intervention that provides attachment-focused knowledge and parenting skills based on the Dynamic Model of the Insecure Cycle, with minimal professional involvement. This case study illustrates its application with Emma, a mother seeking support for her 10-year-old son's anger outbursts and sibling conflicts. Using psychoeducation, reflective exercises, and emotion-coaching skills, Emma developed greater insight into her son's emotional needs. She found the platform effective in raising awareness and offering practical guidance, though she noted a desire for more content on neurobiological underpinnings of attachment. Nevertheless, Emma recommended FamilieLink as a valuable resource for parents facing similar challenges. This case study highlights the potential of low-intensity, blended interventions to foster secure attachment within families.

Rethinking Parental Depression in Chinese Family From Relational and Systemic Perspective: A Qualitative Study in Hong Kong

Alan Tsz Lun Tam, Mei Chun Cheung, Carl Yuk Tin Cheng, Cherry Hau Lin Tam — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of Chinese parents with depression within a collectivist and interdependent cultural context. To recognise the underexplored relational and systemic dimensions, 14 parents diagnosed with depression were recruited via community mental health services in Hong Kong. Data were collected through parent–child dyadic (n = 8) and individual semi-structured interviews (n = 12). Thematic analysis was employed and two themes were generated: “Internal agent of cultural expectations in parenthood” and “External reinforcer of cultural norms in parenthood”. The first highlighted how parents actively scrutinised their children's development and parental roles to meet societal standards. The second illustrated how external monitoring by family and community reinforced cultural expectations, often marginalising parents within the societal context. These findings emphasise the need to shift from a predominantly biomedical and individualistic approach toward a holistic perspective that incorporates the interplay between parents and their social environment into mental health research and practice.

Issue Information

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Journal of Family Therapy, Volume 48, Issue 2, May 2026.

‘It's a Relationship Just Like Any Other Relationship’—Systemic Therapists' Perspectives on Friend Therapy

Elliott Burcham, Lizette Nolte, Hendrix Hammond — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

Many people place friendships at the centre of their lives, yet systemic therapists often focus exclusively on familial and romantic relationships. In this study, we explored how systemic therapists understand and approach working relationally with friends in therapy. We interviewed 17 UK-based systemic practitioners and analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Although most participants were unfamiliar with friend therapy, they expressed curiosity, ambivalence, and thoughtful reflection on their personal and professional values. Participants recognised that practitioners could apply systemic skills to friendships, especially given social and cultural shifts that elevate the role of friends. At the same time, they identified barriers, including institutional norms, a lack of evidence, and concerns about applying therapeutic frameworks to these relationships. Our findings suggest that systemic therapists may be well-placed to work therapeutically with friends, but doing so could require shifts in training, tools, and ideology. Friend therapy challenges the field to reconsider which relationships deserve therapeutic attention.