ABSTRACT
Multi-family therapy (MFT) is anchored in the theory and practice of psychodynamic group and systemic therapy and combines the two. The work in a family group setting is different from traditional single family therapy, as other families and their individual members who experience similar difficulties can provide ‘outside’ ideas, perspectives and suggestions. It is a common experience that people often find it difficult to be open-minded, let alone objective, about their own situation when in the midst of personal conflict and distress, even though they are well able to be very sensitive and thoughtful about the problems of other people. This phenomenon can be utilized in the work with a group of families if a setting can be created which permits mutual sharing, understanding and transparency. It is a major aim of MFT to enable families and their individual members to go beyond their own perspective(s) and to make use of the many resources that exist in a group setting. Furthermore, families are encouraged to help other families by observing and understanding seemingly identical problems and by making suggestions. Being helpful to others does increase their own feeling of self-worth.
