Training mental health care professionals in behavioural family therapy: an audit of trainers' experiences in the West Midlands
| Published date | 19 July 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5042/jmhtep.2010.0363 |
| Pages | 27-35 |
| Date | 19 July 2010 |
| Author | Gráinne Fadden,Rebecca Heelis,Radha Bisnauth |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
27
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice Volume 5 Issue 2 June 2010 © Pier Professional Ltd
10.5042/jmhtep.2010.0363
Training mental health care
professionals in behavioural family
therapy: an audit of trainers’
experiences in the West Midlands
Abstract
The purpose of this audit was to explore the
experiences of 4 2 p rofessionals train ed over
a three-year period as trainers in behavioural
family therapy. Trainers completed a questionnaire
designed to explore their motivations, frustrations,
sources of support and benefits they experienced
through involvement with the Meriden Fami ly
Programme. Quasi-qualitative, thematic analyses
were performed on the data. The audit found
numerous intrinsi c motivat ions for being a
trainer, as well as a wide range of benefits,
including belief in the approach, wanting to help
families, enjoyment of teaching and professional
developme nt. F rustrations en countered were
disinterest of staff, lack of support and restrictions
on the trainers’ role. Trainers were resourceful
and used various solutions to overcome these.
Recommendations are made on how to manage
and maintain enthusiasm and support of trainers,
or other family work champions.
Key words
behavio ural fami ly therapy ; audit; trainer s’
experience; training programmes; support
Introduction
Behavioural family therapy (BFT) is an evidence-based
psychological intervention that reduces relapse rates for
those with psychosis and other long-term mental health
problems (Pharoah et al, 2006; Pilling et al, 2002). The
Meriden Family Programme has promoted this model
since 1998 by delivering training programmes for mental
healthcare professionals to become therapists, trainers,
and supervisors (Fadden & Birchwood 2002; Fadden et
al, 2004). Adequate training and supervision are the
main elements that determine successful implementation
(Fadden, 1998).
For candidates on BFT courses, it is important that
they are impressed with the content of the course and
quality of the trainers in order to be keen and committed
to delivering the model on completion of their training
(Meighan, 2000). Previous studies have demonstrated that
implementation is unsuccessful where candidates have
received poor quality training or none at all (McCreadie et
al, 1991; Vaughan et al, 1992). Therapists’ competencies
have been found to correlat e signif icantly with the
outcome of family interventions (Durr & Hahlweg, 1996).
BFT courses need to be delivered by trainers who can
generate enthusiasm among trainees, are committed
and motivated , and have the relevan t expe rience
Gráinne Fadden
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Director, Meriden Family Programme, Birmingham and Solihull Mental
Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Rebecca Heelis
Psychology Research Assistant, Meriden Family Programme, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS
Foundation Trust, UK
Radha Bisnauth
Clinical Psychologist, South Birmingham Community Health, UK
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