FUNCTIONAL FAMILY THERAPY

During FFT, families participate in sessions for 12-14 weeks (the frequency per week and length of each session varies based on each individual family's needs). Once completed, families can request FFT "booster sessions" for additional support.

FFT consists of three major phases: engagement and motivation, behavior change and generalization. Each of these phases has its own goals, focus and intervention strategies.

• Phase 1: Engagement and Motivation
  During this phase each family member will complete an initial assessment.  We will work with you toward the goal of enhancing family members’ perception of therapy, and creating a positive motivational context to decrease family hostility, conflict and blame. During this time your therapist will demonstrate their sincere desire to listen, help and respect the full family. During therapy, your therapist will work with the whole family to identify negative interaction patterns, and introduce positive interactions to replace the original interaction patterns.

• Phase 2: Behavior Change
  During this phase the family will work together to develop and implement individualized change plans. Change plans are created with the family’s weaknesses and opportunities, as well as each individual’s skills and strengths kept in mind.  Your therapist will work with your whole family on communication training and how to use aids and resources that will provide positive reinforcement to align with your family’s goals.

• Phase 3: Generalization
  The primary goals in this phase are to extend the improvements made during Behavior Change into multiple areas and to plan for future challenges. This can include focusing on specific interventions that your family should continue to practice even after completing the FFT program, and developing a plan for relapse prevention. They will also provide resources for on-going support, such as narcotics anonymous or alcoholics anonymous, as determined by each family’s unique situation.

Upon completion, your family will have stronger communication skills, effective parenting responses to inappropriate behaviors and a strategy for managing other challenges that may occur in the future. Additionally, you can expect to receive a follow-up within 60 days of being discharged from the FFT program.