The start-up of a multi-family group for young psychotic patients and their families within a systemic and psychodynamic framework (60 minute paper)

For the start-up of a multi-family group for young psychotic patients and their families in our outpatient early intervention service and inpatient first episode ward we were inspired by the needs formulated by family... [ view full abstract ]

For the start-up of a multi-family group for young psychotic patients and their families in our outpatient early intervention service and inpatient first episode ward we were inspired by the needs formulated by family members in a focus group [1], an interesting lecture of Narracci [2], and enthusiastic experiences of our colleagues. We see this as complementary to our individual, group and single family offer [3]. Our daily practice is based on the dimensional diagnostic approach (Van Os, Kapur), phase-specific and need- adapted care (Mc Gorry, Alanen), the open dialogue (Seikkula) and Soteria-model (Ciompi). Our therapists are formed within the systemic, psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral framework.

Several questions arose during the setup: Is our main aim peer support, psycho-education, or do we have larger therapeutic ambitions? Do we focus on single family work in presence of other families, or on inter-family interactions? 

First observations show the importance of mutual support and the experience of shared suffering and hope. People are encouraged to share familiar dilemmas, what leads to a greater degree of openness to experiment with being more self-reflective and less defensive. Social isolation and stigma are countered. 

In this presentation we will explore the theoretical rationale (Asen & Scholz, Badaracco) of our decisions concerning the set-up of group, and give a further explanation of our experiences, pitfalls and feedback of the participants.

[1] Demunter, H. et al. (2016) It's all about the Journey: Focus Groups to Improve In- and Outpatient Early Psychosis Care. Poster presented on IEPA congress in Milan.

[2] Narracci et al. (2015). Multi-families psychoanalysis group is useful for patients, family members and professionals. Lecture presented on ISPS congress in New York.

[3] Van Bouwel, L. et al. (2015). Psychotherapy for Early Psychosis in Open Dialogue with Anthropopsychiatrie. Lecture presented on ISPS congress in New York.