2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award Opens for Nominations on 1/27/25
Systemic family therapy stands at the intersection of healing, connection, and transformation. The MLG Awards not only celebrate the incredible achievements of today’s leaders in the field but also pay homage to the foundational work of systemic family therapy’s pioneers, such as Salvador Minuchin and Dr. Marion Lindblad-Goldberg. Minuchin’s groundbreaking contributions established structural family therapy as a cornerstone for understanding and addressing relational dynamics, while Dr. Lindblad-Goldberg advanced this legacy by integrating ecological and trauma-informed approaches. This award recognizes the profound impact systemic family therapy has on families, communities, and professionals. By honoring those who exemplify these values, the MLG Awards inspire ongoing innovation and excellence in a field dedicated to addressing complex challenges and fostering meaningful change. It’s more than an award; it’s a continuation of a legacy that transforms lives, one relationship at a time. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary contributions of systemic family therapy practitioners who, like Minuchin and Lindblad-Goldberg, are committed to making the world a brighter, more connected place.
A Year of Growth, Connection, and Gratitude
As we close out the calendar year, the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center (PCFTTC) reflects on 2024 with deep gratitude for our incredible community of systemic family therapists, faculty, alumni, and partners.
This year, we’ve witnessed remarkable milestones:
- Expanding our Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) reach through international training opportunities, including Georgia and Canada.
- Representing PCFTTC at the AAMFT Conference at Disney World, connecting with colleagues and embracing innovation in family therapy.
- Welcoming new graduates, celebrating their achievements, and watching them take their next steps in the field.
- Launching our Certification Programs.
- New publications advancing the practice of ESFT
- 700 blog subscribers!
Through it all, we’ve seen our community grow stronger, embracing systemic approaches that honor the resilience of families and the dedication of those who serve them.
As we step into 2025, we are excited to continue offering cutting-edge training, supervision, and resources to empower therapists. Together, let’s build on this year’s momentum and keep advancing the transformative work each of you do with professionals and the families they serve.
From all of us at PCFTTC, we wish you a joyous close to this year and a new year filled with hope, health, and connection. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Warm regards,
The PCFTTC Team
Supporting Families Through Challenges
Every family faces challenges, but some struggles—left unaddressed—can negatively affect the entire system. As systemic family therapists, we’re uniquely positioned to help families navigate these challenges, uncover the root causes, and rebuild stronger connections.
Uncovering hidden patterns within the family dynamic often reveals the source of relational distress. By addressing these issues, therapists can guide families toward open communication and mutual understanding. This process strengthens the family unit and lays the groundwork for lasting change.
Practical steps to support families:
- Facilitate Enactments: Allow families to practice new ways of interacting in-session.
- Promote Accountability: Encourage each member to take responsibility for their role in the system.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and build on small successes.
When families learn to function as a cohesive unit, they’re better equipped to weather life’s storms together. Systemic therapy provides the tools to make this possible.
Recognizing and Addressing Negative Family Dynamics
Systemic family therapists understand that no family exists in a vacuum. When negative patterns emerge within a family system, the ripple effects can be profound, influencing emotional health, communication, and relationships.
Unresolved conflicts, miscommunication, or persistent tension can create cycles of dysfunction. These patterns can shape how family members relate to each other and the world around them. As therapists, it’s our role to help families identify these dynamics and work towards healthier interactions.
Key strategies to address negative dynamics include:
- Mapping Patterns: Use tools like genograms or ecomaps to visually explore relational issues.
- Reframing Issues: Shift perspectives to help families see challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Facilitating Open Dialogue: Encourage honest, respectful communication during sessions.
By addressing the root causes of conflict, we help families move beyond survival mode to thrive as a connected, supportive unit. It’s this transformation that lies at the heart of systemic family therapy.
The Courage to Seek Feedback
As systemic family therapists, we’re committed to growth—both our clients’ and our own. But let’s be honest: asking for client feedback can be daunting. It’s not just about inviting critique; it’s about facing vulnerabilities and challenging ourselves to improve.
Yet, client feedback is one of the most powerful tools in our professional arsenal. It provides invaluable insights into how clients perceive our interventions and approach. These perspectives can shine a light on blind spots we might otherwise miss and help us fine-tune our methods to be more effective.
Feedback can also enhance the therapeutic relationship. When clients see us actively seeking their input, they’re reminded that therapy is a collaborative process. This mutual respect fosters trust and can even deepen engagement.
To integrate client feedback into your practice:
- Create a Safe Space: Frame feedback as a tool for collaboration and improvement.
- Be Specific: Ask targeted questions about what is working and what isn’t.
- Act on It: Demonstrate that their input matters by implementing changes where appropriate.
Growth thrives on reflection and adaptation. Embracing client feedback not only strengthens your practice but also reinforces your commitment to serving families with excellence.
