PCFTTC

Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center

Jennifer Benjamin

🎉 What an Incredible Weekend at GAMFT 2025! 🎉

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The Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center (PCFTTC) had an amazing time training and connecting at the GAMFT 2025 Spring Conference in Atlanta!

From Dr. Steve Simms’ inspiring keynote on the power of clinical supervision, deliberate practice and systemic family therapy principles, not to mention the energy, passion, and dedication from everyone in attendance was truly unforgettable. 🌟

We’re leaving Atlanta feeling recharged, inspired, and even more committed to strengthening the systemic family therapy community. A huge THANK YOU to all the brilliant systemically trained family therapists, supervisors, and leaders we had the privilege to meet — the new connections and conversations we formed this weekend will ripple forward in exciting ways! 🌱

PCFTTC is proud to be part of a growing network that believes in collaboration, systemic thinking, and building stronger, more resilient families and communities.

Stay tuned — May’s newsletter will share more of this incredible weekend!!!

#GAMFT2025 #SystemicFamilyTherapy #PCFTTC #ProfessionalGrowth #ClinicalSupervision #BuildingConnections #FamilyTherapy #TherapistCommunity

💡 Why a Strength-Based, Relational Approach Matters💡

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When families are navigating behavioral challenges — whether it’s a child acting out, conflict between siblings, or ongoing tension between caregivers — the natural impulse is to turn to the therapist as the “expert” to fix the problem. In that moment, families often believe that they have little to offer, that the solution must come from outside of them, and that their relationships and history have little to do with the issue at hand.

But as systemic family therapists, we know that this approach is incomplete. In fact, it can be harmful. When families start to believe they are powerless in the face of problems, they become passive observers rather than active participants in their own growth. And when therapists reinforce this dynamic — intentionally or not — we rob families of their agency and diminish the power of the relational system.

A strength-based, relational approach turns this on its head.

Rather than focusing solely on what’s broken, we look for what’s working — the small moments of connection, care, resilience, and effort that already exist within the family system. We ask ourselves:

  • Where are the strengths hiding in plain sight?
  • How can we build on those to address behavioral challenges together?
  • What has this family survived, overcome, or adapted to before?

This perspective allows us to solve problems relationally, not just behaviorally. A child’s acting-out behavior isn’t addressed in isolation but understood within the context of relationships, stressors, patterns, and roles in the family. We see behavior as communication, shaped by the family’s environment, expectations, and connection.

When families experience this shift, everything changes. They stop waiting for the expert to deliver answers and begin participating in creating solutions. They regain a sense of capability and confidence, recognizing that their relationships are not only part of the problem — but the foundation of the solution.

At PCFTTC, we believe that every family holds the raw material for their own healing. Our role is to uncover, name, and strengthen those existing resources while guiding families toward healthier, more connected ways of being together.

Strength-based, relational work isn’t about being soft — it’s about being strategic, respectful, and effective. It’s how we create change that lasts.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE FROM McCrystal Group: Adaptable, But Anchored: The Hidden Strength of Character in Leadership

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Fast can be fragile. Adaptability without character can break when it matters most.

Nearly a decade ago, Team of Teams changed how we think about building organizations. It showed us that in complex, high-velocity environments, speed and adaptability come not from control but from trust, shared consciousness, common purpose, and empowered execution.

But, in a world of rapid technological change and moral booby traps around every corner, adaptability alone isn’t enough. Because what holds systems together under pressure isn’t just structure. It’s character.
The hidden variable in high-performing organizations isn’t just how you lead. It’s who you are while leading.

That’s where On Character enters, the latest book from Stan McChrystal, examining the shifting focus from systems to the individual. Exceptional leaders don’t just drive results; they embody values like humility, integrity, and selflessness. These aren’t soft skills. They are the foundation of trust, loyalty, and long-term impact.

Together, Team of Teams and On Character offer a simple but profound truth:

You can build a highly adaptive organization, but it will only be as strong as the character of its members. Speed is necessary. Adaptability is required. But trust and character are what endure.

Leaders must question their convictions and consider how deep their values truly go. Ask yourself:

  • Am I exhibiting the behaviors I expect of my people?
  • Do my decisions reflect conviction or convenience?
  • Would my team describe me as someone worth following, especially when it’s hard?

As you reflect on your own contribution to the “culture + system = sustained high-performance” equation, we invite you to explore our resources from the Team of Teams 10th Anniversary collection, designed to help leaders build adaptable systems and enduring character.

Related Insights:

Copyright © 2025 McChrystal Group, All rights reserved. 

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

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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

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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.