ABSTRACT
In this chapter we describe exercises and playful activities which aim to make the multi-family group a safe and creative context for all participants – young and old. Given that at the outset of MFT work families usually do not know each other, they will be apprehensive, if not anxious, about talking about themselves and their specific problems in front of strangers. Playful exercises and activities can break the ice, as well as enabling families to explore and address specific issues and themes. Furthermore, joint exercises help to build group cohesion and team spirit, and get group members to develop a healthy interest in others. The exercises described in this chapter can be used not only at the beginning but also during other phases of MFT, as well as in single family therapy contexts. Some exercises have also been described elsewhere and others have been adapted from ideas suggested by colleagues (Asen and Tomson 1992; Asen et al. 2001, 2004; Retzlaff 2008; Schemmel et al. 2008).
