Author: Jennifer Benjamin

  • Celebrating Pinky Patel: A 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award Nominee -Trainer

    The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center is proud to recognize Pinky Patel as a nominee for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award for Trainers. This award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to training and mentoring in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT), fostering growth in professionals dedicated to strengthening families.

    A Transformative Trainer and Mentor

    For the past four years, Pinky has been a guiding force in the professional development of family therapists, particularly in Nova Scotia Cohort, where she has helped teams move beyond learning an approach to actively practicing it. As a trainer, she skillfully balances expertise with compassion, creating a learning environment where clinicians feel safe to take risks, try new interventions, and receive feedback with an open mind.

    Her ability to bridge systems and perspectives makes her an invaluable trainer. Pinky recognizes the differences between treatment models in Canada and the U.S. and fosters collaborative discussions that honor these distinctions while maintaining the integrity of ESFT principles. Her professionalism, patience, and kindness allow her to support teams as they navigate challenges and refine their skills.

    A Commitment to Systemic and Trauma-Informed Practice

    Pinky’s deep understanding of systemic work enables her to see both the fine details and the broader horizon of treatment for the vulnerable children and families she supports. She is a strong advocate for trauma-informed, inclusive, and anti-oppressive practices, ensuring that treatment approaches align with the diverse needs of the families served.

    Her work is particularly impactful in high-risk cases, where she formulates viable treatment strategies for children with complex needs. Through her teaching and supervision, she inspires clinicians to embrace the systemic lens and ecosystemic approach, helping them move beyond isolated interventions to truly transformative family work.

    An Inspirational Leader in Training and Supervision

    Pinky does more than train—she evokes positive change in the professionals she mentors. She creates space for learning, growth, and reflection, supporting clinicians in developing both their skills and confidence. Beyond structured trainings, she goes the extra mile to ensure that staff feel equipped and empowered to provide the highest level of care to families.

    Her impact extends beyond her trainees, as she has inspired others to take on the role of trainer themselves. Through her mentorship, she strengthens not only the individual clinicians she trains but also the future of ESFT training itself.

    A Well-Deserved Nomination

    Pinky Patel’s dedication to systemic training, mentorship, and clinical excellence makes her a truly deserving nominee for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award for Trainers. Her ability to cultivate a learning environment that is supportive, challenging, and transformative embodies the very best of ESFT.

    Join us in celebrating Pinky’s well-earned recognition and the profound impact she continues to make in the field of family therapy training!

  • Celebrating T.M. Smith : A 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award- Supervisor Nominee

    The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center is proud to recognize T.M. Smith as a nominee for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award. T.M. exemplifies the core principles of Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) through his deep systemic thinking, unwavering commitment to relationship-building, and dedication to personal and professional growth.

    A Systemic Thinker

    One of T.M.’s greatest strengths is his ability to identify and understand patterns at every level—from the child and family to the treatment team, agency, and training cohort. His systemic lens allows him to see beyond individual behaviors, focusing instead on the broader relational dynamics at play. Whether working with families, clinicians, or supervisors, he consistently prioritizes relationships, fostering connection before guiding conversations toward meaningful systemic change.

    See the Isomorph

    Within the supervisory cohort, T.M. creates a space where growth and reflection thrive. He joins in distress, offering validation and support before skillfully posing systemic questions that redirect the focus to the patterns of therapeutic transactions (POTT). His approach encourages teams to step back, recognize isomorphic processes, and work collaboratively toward solutions that align with the ESFT model.

    T.M. also embodies self-awareness and accountability, openly acknowledging his own POTT and continuously working to shift his own patterns. He has demonstrated remarkable balance in leadership, knowing when to step in and when to empower others to take the lead. His ability to speak to his own privilege and offer feedback with thoughtfulness and humility fosters deeper joining and open dialogue within supervisory spaces.

    Use the Model

    Even in times of crisis, T.M. remains model-focused, helping teams recognize patterns rather than becoming lost in content. His ability to anchor teams in the ESFT framework provides stability and clarity, ensuring that families receive the best possible support.

    A Well-Deserved Honor

    For his exceptional leadership, systemic insight, and unwavering dedication, we are honored to celebrate T.M. Smith as a nominee for the 2025 MLG Award. His work continues to inspire and strengthen the field of family therapy, making a lasting impact on those he serves.

  • The Power of Collective Support: What The Turnaround Teaches Us About Social Ecology and Strength-Based Practice

    Netflix Link: https://www.netflix.com/us/title/81945091?s=i&trkid=258593161&vlang=en

    In The Turnaround, a Netflix short documentary, we witness a rare and powerful moment in sports: a city choosing compassion over criticism. When Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner struggled during the 2023 MLB season, the typical response might have been boos and frustration. But what happened instead was extraordinary—fan Jon McCann called for a standing ovation. The city responded. The crowd stood, cheered, and poured belief into a player at one of his lowest moments. What followed was a surge in Turner’s performance, and a deep emotional shift in how fans and athletes connected.

    At PCFTTC, we see this moment as a real-world example of social ecology in action. Just like in therapy, healing and growth don’t happen in isolation. People are shaped by their environments—families, communities, systems of support. When one part of the system chooses empathy and encouragement over shame or blame, it reverberates.

    Turner’s story reminds us why being strength-based and context-sensitive matters. His performance issues weren’t just about mechanics—they were about mindset, pressure, and the invisible weight of expectations. Instead of pathologizing the “problem” (Turner’s slump), the community looked at the context and chose to support rather than punish. In doing so, they acted as a trauma-informed system—offering safety, connection, and belief.

    This is precisely the lens we use in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT). When working with families, we don’t just treat behaviors—we look at the context that sustains them. We seek to understand before we intervene. We ask: what would happen if this family were met with belief instead of blame?

    The Turnaround teaches us that systemic change begins with one choice: to hold dignity and possibility in the face of struggle. As therapists, supervisors, and healers, we can ask ourselves: how do we create our own “standing ovation” moments for the families we serve? How do we choose hope, every time?

    Let this story inspire us to keep building systems of care that are trauma-informed, context-sensitive, and full of the kind of strength-based belief that can change lives.

  • More Referrals, Less Isolation: How Networking Supports Systemic Family Therapists

    Therapists dedicate their lives to supporting others, but who supports them? The challenge of professional isolation is real, especially for systemic family therapists who often navigate complex family dynamics, crisis situations, and emotionally demanding cases. Without a strong professional network, therapists can experience burnout, self-doubt, and limited growth opportunities.

    For many clinicians, private practice or agency work can feel isolating—especially when faced with difficult cases that require outside perspectives, additional resources, or simply the reassurance that they are not alone in their challenges. Without a solid peer network, therapists may find themselves second-guessing their interventions or struggling to find new client referrals. This not only impacts their personal well-being but also the quality of care they can provide to families.

    Building a Professional Network: A Key to Growth

    One of the best ways to combat professional isolation is by intentionally cultivating relationships with colleagues in the field. These connections do more than just provide emotional support—they also serve as an ongoing learning resource, a space for case consultation, and a means of growing a therapist’s referral base.

    Therapists who actively participate in professional communities gain:

    1. Access to Peer Supervision and Mentorship – No therapist should feel like they have to figure everything out alone. Having experienced colleagues to consult on complex cases helps ensure ethical, effective care for clients.
    2. More Referral Opportunities – Clients need different levels and types of care. Referring clients to colleagues who specialize in certain areas fosters trust within the professional community and ensures families receive the right support. Likewise, therapists who are well-connected are more likely to receive referrals for their own areas of expertise.
    3. Greater Recognition in the Field – Visibility within peer networks, training institutions, and professional associations increases a therapist’s credibility, professional opportunities, and overall impact on the field.
    4. A Stronger Sense of Belonging – Knowing that there is a community of like-minded professionals who understand the unique challenges of systemic therapy reduces stress, prevents burnout, and enhances job satisfaction.

    Breaking Free from Isolation: Practical Steps

    If you’re feeling disconnected, consider taking these steps:

    • Join Professional Organizations – Engage with networks like AAMFT or the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center to build relationships and stay informed.
    • Attend Training and Supervision Groups – Learning alongside peers fosters growth and camaraderie while refining clinical skills.
    • Offer and Accept Case Consultations – Consulting with peers on challenging cases creates a collaborative learning environment where everyone benefits.
    • Engage in Online and In-Person Communities – Whether it’s a LinkedIn group, a therapy forum, or in-person meetups, these spaces provide connection and resource-sharing.

    At PCFTTC, we believe systemic family therapy is not just about supporting clients—it’s about building a strong, interconnected professional community. The more connected we are as therapists, the more effective we can be for the families we serve.

    Let’s move away from isolation and toward collaboration. Together, we can build a network that strengthens both our profession and the families we work with.

  • Crisis-Ready: Managing Emergencies Through Greater Client Engagement

    In systemic family therapy, crisis situations can arise suddenly, leaving therapists scrambling to respond. Whether it’s a sudden escalation of family conflict, suicidal ideation, or child welfare concerns, the ability to manage crises effectively is critical. Therapists who feel unequipped to handle these high-stakes moments may experience anxiety, frustration, and even self-doubt about their ability to intervene effectively. However, one of the most underutilized strategies for crisis prevention is actually greater client engagement.

    When families are deeply engaged in the therapy process, they develop skills and resilience that reduce the likelihood of crises occurring in the first place. Engagement goes beyond just showing up for sessions—it means fostering a collaborative therapeutic alliance where clients take an active role in setting goals, identifying obstacles, and practicing new skills outside of therapy. When clients feel truly heard and understood, they are more likely to communicate struggles early, follow through with interventions, and build internal and external support systems.

    How Can Therapists Enhance Client Engagement for Crisis Prevention?

    1. Empower Families Through Enactments – Instead of only discussing issues, enactments allow families to practice real-time interactions in session. This helps them develop new patterns of responding before a crisis occurs.
    2. Use Intentional Reframing – Helping clients see their struggles through a systemic lens rather than an individual failure can reduce shame and increase motivation for change.
    3. Develop a Crisis-Response Plan Together – Rather than waiting for an emergency, therapists can co-create structured safety plans with clients that include support systems, de-escalation strategies, and clear steps to follow in a crisis.
    4. Encourage Connection to Community Resources – Engaging clients with their ecosystem including extended kin, faith communities, school supports, and social services can create a more resilient safety net that prevents them from feeling isolated during difficult times.

    From Crisis Response to Crisis Prevention

    Too often, therapists feel overwhelmed when faced with a crisis, fearing that their interventions will not be enough. But by shifting the focus from reactive crisis management to proactive client engagement, systemic family therapists can significantly reduce emergency situations, strengthen therapeutic relationships, and improve overall treatment effectiveness.

    At PCFTTC, we believe in equipping therapists with competency-based tools to create safe, engaged, and empowered families. By focusing on engagement early on, we don’t just respond to crises—we prevent them from happening in the first place.

  • Celebrating Deanna L: A 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award Nominee

    The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center is proud to recognize Deanna Laser as a nominee for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award. This prestigious award honors professionals who exemplify the principles of Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to strengthening families and communities.

    A Passion for Growth and Systemic Change

    Deanna has been a dedicated booster in her program, navigating numerous challenges, including the pandemic. Through it all, she has remained committed to her growth and the well-being of the families she serves. Her ability to balance authenticity, transparency, and continuous learning makes her an exceptional clinician, mentor, and leader.

    Deanna embraces a systemic perspective, recognizing that challenges within families are relational, contextual, developmental, and trauma-informed. She helps teams and caregivers shift their focus from isolated behaviors to meaningful family interactions, guiding them toward lasting change.

    Empowering Caregivers and Strengthening Families

    One of Deanna’s greatest strengths is her collaborative approach with caregivers. Regardless of the challenges a family faces, she finds ways to connect, highlighting strengths and fostering hope. Her work is deeply rooted in social ecology, recognizing how lived experiences shape family culture while also providing resources for resilience and success.

    Working in a region where families often experience economic hardships, Deanna ensures every family is treated with respect, dignity, and belief in their ability to grow. She intentionally finds something to appreciate in each caregiver, reinforcing their capacity for positive change.

    A Well-Deserved Nomination

    Deanna Laser’s dedication to systemic family therapy, her unwavering support for both families and colleagues, and her ability to navigate complex challenges embody the very best of ESFT-FBMHS. We are honored to recognize her as a nominee for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award and celebrate the incredible impact she continues to make in the field.

    Join us in congratulating Deanna on this well-deserved recognition!

  • Work-Life Balance & Burnout: How Systemic Therapists Can Reclaim Their Energy

    Burnout is real—but it doesn’t have to be inevitable.

    As systemic family therapists, we dedicate ourselves to supporting families through some of their most difficult challenges. We hold space for pain, navigate complex relational dynamics, and work tirelessly to create meaningful change. But in the process, we often forget one crucial factor—ourselves.

    Burnout and compassion fatigue are alarmingly common in our field. The emotional demands of therapy, coupled with long hours and the pressure to “fix” problems, can leave even the most passionate therapists feeling drained. And when burnout sets in, not only do we suffer—our clients do, too.

    So how do we protect our energy while still showing up fully for the families we serve?

    1️⃣ Set Boundaries & Honor Them

    Many therapists struggle to set limits around their work, feeling guilty if they’re not constantly available to clients. But the truth is, a burnt-out therapist is not an effective therapist. Set clear work hours, avoid taking calls or answering emails outside of those times, and give yourself permission to say “no” to extra obligations that don’t serve you.

    2️⃣ Prioritize Work-Life Balance

    A fulfilling personal life is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Remember: Your well-being is just as important as your clients’.

    3️⃣ Build a Strong Peer Support Network

    Isolation makes burnout worse. Surround yourself with other systemic therapists who understand the unique challenges of this work. Whether through supervision groups, professional organizations, or casual meetups, connecting with others in the field provides validation, support, and fresh perspectives.

    4️⃣ Keep Growing Through Professional Development

    Burnout can sometimes stem from feeling stuck or stagnant in our work. Engaging in continued learning—whether through workshops, consultation groups, or advanced training—can reignite our passion and remind us why we love this work in the first place.

    5️⃣ Remember: A Healthy Therapist = Better Therapy

    When we take care of ourselves, we show up more present, engaged, and effective in the therapy room. Prioritizing our own well-being is not selfish—it’s a necessary part of providing the best possible care for the families who trust us.

    🔥 Therapists, how do you protect your energy and prevent burnout? Share your strategies in the comments!

  • Transforming Ineffective Methods: How Professional Development Creates Positive Outcomes

    As systemic family therapists, we are deeply invested in the well-being of our clients. However, every therapist faces moments of doubt—wondering whether their interventions are effective or if they are truly facilitating change. The fear of ineffectiveness can be daunting, but professional development provides the tools and confidence needed to refine our methods and improve client outcomes.

    The Challenge of Stagnation

    The evolving nature of family dynamics and mental health challenges means that therapeutic approaches must also evolve. Without continuous learning, therapists risk falling into patterns that may not fully address the complexities of their clients’ needs. Ineffectiveness can stem from outdated techniques, a lack of new insights, or difficulty adapting to diverse family structures and experiences.

    How Professional Development Bridges the Gap

    Engaging in ongoing training, workshops, and peer consultations allows therapists to:

    • Stay Updated on Best Practices – Evidence-based approaches are always advancing. Professional development ensures therapists stay informed about the latest techniques, such as Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) or trauma-informed care.
    • Enhance Clinical Skills – Through supervision and training, therapists can refine their interventions, improve their assessment strategies, and apply systemic principles with greater precision.
    • Boost Confidence in Treatment Approaches – Learning from experienced professionals and engaging in case discussions help therapists feel more assured in their ability to navigate complex cases.
    • Increase Positive Client Outcomes – When therapists grow, so do their clients. A well-trained therapist is better equipped to foster meaningful change in families, leading to improved relationships and emotional well-being.

    Making Professional Growth a Priority

    Therapists should seek out continuing education opportunities, participate in peer networks, and remain open to feedback. Investing in professional development not only enhances therapeutic effectiveness but also ensures clients receive the highest quality of care.

    At PCFTTC, we offer training programs designed to equip therapists with the skills needed to succeed. Let’s commit to lifelong learning, so we can continue to create positive, lasting impacts on the families we serve.

    How do you stay engaged in professional development? Share your experiences below!

  • Honoring Excellence in Family Therapy – Denise S. Nominated for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award

    MLG Award- Supervisor

    The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center is proud to announce that Denise Stoneroad has been nominated as a supervisor for the 2025 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award. Denise’s nomination is a powerful recognition of her unwavering commitment to systemic family therapy, her leadership in guiding clinicians, and her dedication to fostering resilience in families.

    With a deep appreciation for systemic perspective, Denise challenges the traditional view of adolescents with “bad” behavior being seen in isolation. Instead, she ensures that her teams assess family interactions as a whole, seeking to understand the root causes of behaviors rather than focusing on a single identified client. During the challenges of the pandemic, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding her team to grow stronger, adapt, and collaborate rather than becoming isolated—just therapists encourage families to do in therapy.

    As a supervisor, Denise embodies the balance between professional boundaries and collaboration. She has cultivated a culture where clinicians build their own competence and resilience rather than relying on her to “rescue” them. By reinforcing patience and preparation, she helps clinicians and families develop the confidence to tackle challenges independently.

    Denise also engages in social ecology with a keen sense of self-awareness. She encourages her teams to explore their own lived experiences and how those experiences shape their professional growth. A strong proponent of deliberate practice and videotaping, she fosters an environment of continuous learning—both for herself and for those she supervises.

    Where others might see chaos as overwhelming, Denise sees opportunity. She remains calm and courageous in the face of crises, guiding her teams to help families make meaningful, lasting changes. Whether supporting caregivers in shifting family dynamics or helping clinicians navigate their own professional challenges, she instills the mindset that struggle is a stepping stone to transformation.

    Denise’s ability to assess with complexity while acting with simplicity makes her an invaluable mentor. She helps her teams synthesize large amounts of data, break it down into meaningful insights, and use it to engage families in treatment planning. Through her guidance, clinicians help caregivers see problems in a new light and build stronger, child-centered, caregiver-led plans for family success.

    Denise Stoneroad’s nomination is a testament to her extraordinary impact on systemic family therapy. Her leadership, insight, and commitment to second-order change embody the very essence of the MLG Award.

    Please join us in celebrating Denise and her remarkable contributions to the field. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the incredible nominees shaping the future of family therapy!