SERVICESFunctional Family Therapy (FFT)

In Phase 1 of FFT (Functional Family Therapy), the primary objective is to establish engagement and motivation within the family unit. This involves actively involving the family in therapy services and identifying key family members who will participate in the treatment process. Once engagement is achieved, the FFT therapist conducts an assessment to identify referral behaviors, as well as protective and risk factors within the family dynamics. This assessment helps to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying family patterns and issues.

The treatment goals during Phase 1 are centered around several key aspects:

• Balancing Alliance
  The therapist aims to build a strong therapeutic alliance with the family while ensuring that all family members feel heard and respected. This helps in fostering trust and collaboration throughout the treatment process.
• Increasing Hope
  Through supportive and empathetic interactions, the therapist works to instill hope within the family, emphasizing the possibility of positive change and improvement in their situation.
• Decreasing Negativity/Blame 
  Addressing negative communication patterns and reducing blame within the family environment are important goals in Phase 1. The therapist encourages constructive dialogue and reframing of perspectives to promote understanding and empathy among family members.
• Facilitating Relational Focus
  Emphasizing the importance of relationships within the family, the therapist helps family members recognize the impact of their interactions on each other. This encourages a shift towards focusing on improving relational dynamics and fostering mutual support and connection.

By addressing these treatment goals in Phase 1, FFT lays the groundwork for subsequent phases of therapy, setting the stage for effective intervention and positive outcomes for the family.

Phase 2 treatment goals focus on equipping the family with effective skills and techniques to mitigate risk factors and referral behaviors. This phase integrates an understanding of family dynamics and abilities into skill training sessions, emphasizing various aspects such as family communication strategies, parenting techniques, problem-solving methods, and conflict resolution skills. The overarching aim is to decrease referral behaviors, interrupt harmful family patterns, and foster positive changes in behaviors and family interactions. By empowering the family with these essential tools and strategies, FFT Phase 2 facilitates the cultivation of healthier dynamics within the family unit, thereby promoting long-term stability and well-being.

The treatment goal shifts towards relapse prevention and ensuring that the positive changes made during treatment are effectively extended to various other situations beyond the therapy setting. This involves equipping the family with the necessary skills and strategies to apply what they’ve learned in treatment to real-world scenarios such as school, community interactions, and dynamics with other siblings. Additionally, the focus is on connecting the family with additional resources and support networks to reinforce and sustain the progress achieved during treatment.

As the family completes the formal treatment program, the therapist may offer booster sessions as needed during follow-up calls to the family. These booster sessions serve to provide ongoing support, reinforcement of learned skills, and assistance in addressing any emerging challenges or setbacks. By offering continued support and guidance, the therapist aims to maximize the likelihood of long-term success and stability for the family beyond the structured treatment program.