Author: Jennifer Benjamin

  • Using Caregiver Strengths as Resources in Family Therapy Enactments

    Caregivers bring a wealth of skills to their work, whether they are teachers, nurses, or professionals in other fields. These same skills can be powerful assets in family therapy, particularly in enactments—therapeutic exercises that bring healing relational patterns to life in session. By recognizing and harnessing their professional strengths, caregivers can actively participate in therapeutic interventions that foster connection, communication, and problem-solving within their families.

    Translating Workplace Strengths to Family Interactions

    Family therapy enactments are most effective when caregivers feel confident using the skills they already have. Consider the following:

    • Active Listening & Emotional Intelligence – Many caregivers, such as therapists and teachers, are skilled at listening and responding thoughtfully to others’ emotions. These skills can help them stay attuned to their child’s needs, validate feelings, and model healthy emotional expression.
    • Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution – Nurses and police officers excel at staying calm under pressure and de-escalating tense situations. These same skills can be applied to navigating family conflicts with a steady presence and thoughtful problem-solving.
    • Time Management & Structure – Professionals like software engineers and electricians rely on organization and structure to be successful. Bringing this structured approach into family routines can help establish predictability and stability at home.

    Below are some examples of how caregivers can use their work strengths in family therapy enactments:

    Vignette 1: The Therapist Parent
    A mother who is a therapist struggles with her child’s tantrums. In therapy, she practices using her professional skills—active listening and emotional validation—to reflect her child’s emotions and guide them toward calming strategies.

    Vignette 2: The Nurse Parent
    A father, a nurse, frequently de-escalates emergencies at work but feels overwhelmed at home. In an enactment, he practices using his calm, reassuring presence to regulate his child’s anxiety rather than reacting with frustration.

    Vignette 3: The Teacher Parent
    A teacher-parent finds herself lecturing her children rather than engaging them. In therapy, she applies her classroom skills by using positive reinforcement and interactive learning strategies to encourage cooperation at home.

    Vignette 4: The Architect Parent
    An architect struggles with chaos at home. In session, they practice applying their expertise in structured design to develop a predictable family routine that reduces stress.

    By integrating their strengths into family interactions, caregivers can approach therapy with confidence and purpose. Family therapists can empower them by helping them see these strengths as invaluable tools, allowing them to create meaningful and lasting change within their households.

  • The Chocolate Cake Connection: Exploring Family Culture in Systemic Family Therapy

    Every family has a story, a rhythm, and a set of traditions that make them unique. For one particular family, that story centered around a simple yet profound ritual—a homemade chocolate cake. Every time the family gathered, regardless of how busy or far apart they were, the chocolate cake made its appearance. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a symbol of their bond, their shared history, and the love that held them together. It was a constant amid life’s changes, representing connection and comfort.

    In systemic family therapy, understanding these cultural touchstones—the “chocolate cakes” of a family’s life—is vital. Family culture encompasses the traditions, rituals, and values that shape how family members interact, communicate, and navigate challenges. These elements provide a lens through which therapists can understand a family’s dynamics and identify opportunities for growth and healing.

    When families seek therapy, they often focus on the fractures: conflicts, communication breakdowns, or behavioral concerns. However, systemic family therapists know that the solutions often lie in the strengths and traditions already embedded within the family. By exploring and honoring these cultural elements, therapists can help families reconnect with their roots and rebuild their connections.

    For instance, a therapist might ask:

    • What are your family’s cherished traditions or rituals?
    • Are there symbols or objects that hold special meaning within your family?
    • How do these traditions reflect your family’s values and strengths?

    In the case of the chocolate cake, a therapist might explore how the ritual of baking and sharing the cake brought the family together. Did it encourage communication? Was it a way of celebrating milestones or offering comfort during difficult times? Understanding the deeper meaning behind such rituals can provide valuable insights into a family’s dynamics and areas of resilience.

    As therapists, our role is to help families rediscover these cultural anchors and use them as a foundation for healing. By tapping into their existing strengths, we can guide them toward creating new traditions and fostering deeper connections.

    So, the next time you sit with a family, ask yourself: What’s their “chocolate cake”? By identifying and celebrating these cultural elements, you’re not just addressing problems—you’re helping families reconnect with the heart of who they are.

  • The Power of Paradox in Systemic Family Therapy

    Systemic family therapy often requires creative and thoughtful approaches to break through entrenched patterns and foster meaningful change. One such approach is the paradoxical intervention, a bold technique that can help families see their interactions in a new light and ignite transformation. But what exactly is a paradoxical intervention, and why is it so effective?

    Paradoxical interventions involve prescribing the very behavior the family or individual seeks to change or highlighting a seemingly contradictory truth within their dynamic. At first glance, this method may appear counterintuitive, but its power lies in its ability to disrupt resistance and spark self-awareness. By aligning with the family’s perspective, the therapist creates an opportunity for them to examine their behavior from a fresh angle.

    Imagine a family constantly embroiled in arguments. A paradoxical intervention might involve suggesting they schedule 10 minutes daily to argue intentionally. While this might seem unconventional, the exercise often leads to surprising outcomes. The family might discover the futility of their conflicts, laugh at the absurdity of scheduling arguments, or realize how their patterns negatively impact their relationships. This intentional act shifts the dynamic, allowing room for reflection and change.

    Why Paradoxical Interventions Work:

    1. Breaks Resistance: Aligning with the family’s existing behaviors or beliefs lowers their defenses, making them more open to exploration and change.
    2. Reveals Patterns: By amplifying or prescribing behaviors, the intervention shines a spotlight on hidden dynamics and roles within the family system.
    3. Encourages Ownership: When families engage in paradoxical exercises, they often gain insights into their behaviors, fostering a sense of accountability and motivation to change.

    It is important to note that paradoxical interventions require a high level of skill, thoughtfulness, and systemic understanding. When applied effectively, they can be transformative, empowering families to shift long-standing patterns and move toward healthier interactions.

    As systemic family therapists, we must remain curious, creative, and open to innovative techniques like paradoxical interventions. These tools remind us of the power of perspective and the profound impact of guiding families toward new ways of seeing themselves and each other.

    Have you used a paradoxical intervention in your practice? Share your experiences and insights!

  • What’s in Your Slice of Pie? Exploring Person-of-the-Therapist Work

    As systemic family therapists, we understand the importance of fostering meaningful connections with the families we serve. But to truly be effective, we must first look inward and reflect on the unique “slice of pie” that we bring into the therapy room. This analogy—simple yet profound—invites us to examine the ingredients that shape our therapeutic presence.

    Our slice of pie represents the sum of our experiences, biases, beliefs, and emotional triggers. These elements influence how we interpret and respond to the dynamics we observe in families. While some ingredients, such as empathy, self-awareness, and openness, enhance our work, others—like unresolved personal biases or emotional blind spots—can create barriers to effective therapy.

    This is where Person-of-the-Therapist (POTT) work becomes essential. POTT encourages therapists to engage in deep self-reflection, identify their “ingredients,” and take intentional steps toward growth. By acknowledging how our own histories and emotions intersect with our professional roles, we position ourselves to build authentic relationships with families and create space for transformative change.

    So, how can you assess what’s in your slice of pie? Here are a few steps to get started:

    1. Engage in Reflective Practices: Journaling, supervision, or peer consultation can help you uncover patterns and areas for growth.
    2. Seek Feedback: Honest input from colleagues and supervisors can provide valuable insights into how your personal attributes impact your work.
    3. Commit to Continuous Learning: Attend trainings or engage in activities that challenge your assumptions and expand your perspectives.
    4. Practice Mindfulness: Awareness of your own emotional triggers allows you to stay grounded and fully present during sessions.

    When we take the time to examine and refine our slice of pie, we not only enhance our skills but also deepen our connection to the families we work with. What’s in your slice? Are you ready to do the work to ensure your ingredients support healing and growth?

    💬 Join the conversation! What practices help you cultivate self-awareness as a therapist?

    Learn More About Supervision with PCFTTC

  • Spotlight on Our ESFT-FBMHS Alumna: A Conversation with Tamara Allen

    We’re thrilled to share a special recording featuring Tamara Allen, an alumna of the ESFT-FBMHS program and a Booster from the Allentown Cohort! In this insightful video, Tamara reflects on her journey, the impact of the program on her clinical practice, and her dedication to creating meaningful change for families. Her passion for systemic family therapy and her commitment to fostering resilience shine through in every moment.

    Watch the video to hear Tamara’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights from her experience!

  • We are excited to announce the publication of our latest peer-reviewed article in the Children and Youth Services Review: “Modified Family Assessment Form (MFAF) and Pennsylvania Families: Establishing Construct Validity and Reliability.”

    This collaborative research, authored by Steve Simms, Jennifer Benjamin, Todd Franke, and Pinky Patel, focuses on validating the MFAF within Pennsylvania families, aiming to enhance the tools available for family assessment in therapeutic settings.

    The study’s findings contribute to the field of systemic family therapy by providing a reliable instrument for practitioners working with diverse family structures.

    We invite fellow professionals and researchers to read the full article here:

    MFAF 2025Download

  • What is “Family Life” in the client’s social ecology:

    1. Parenting Styles and Discipline

    • Family Connection: The way parents enforce rules, boundaries, and discipline within the home.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Cultural norms and societal expectations often shape parenting approaches, such as collectivist cultures emphasizing obedience and respect or individualist cultures prioritizing independence.

    2. Conflict Resolution

    • Family Connection: How family members handle disagreements, whether through open dialogue, avoidance, or escalated arguments.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Broader societal influences, such as workplace stress or community norms about emotional expression, can affect how conflict is addressed within families.

    3. Celebrations and Traditions

    • Family Connection: Birthdays, holidays, or rituals unique to the family.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Traditions may be influenced by cultural heritage, religious practices, and the family’s interaction with their local community.

    4. Family Roles and Responsibilities

    • Family Connection: Expectations for caregiving, household chores, or decision-making responsibilities.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Economic conditions, gender roles, and societal shifts (e.g., dual-income households) shape these roles within the family.

    5. Emotional Support Systems

    • Family Connection: Families offering encouragement during stress or celebrating achievements.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Access to community resources, social networks, or extended family involvement can enhance or limit a family’s ability to provide emotional support.

    6. Communication Patterns

    • Family Connection: The frequency and style of communication between family members (e.g., open, hierarchical, or minimal).
    • Social Ecology Impact: Broader influences, like technology use, workplace demands, or societal norms around expressing feelings, can shape how families communicate.

    7. Routines and Daily Practices

    • Family Connection: Shared meals, bedtime routines, or weekend activities.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Work schedules, school systems, and neighborhood safety often determine the feasibility of maintaining routines.

    8. Adaptation to Stress and Change

    • Family Connection: How families cope with financial difficulties, relocation, or loss.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Access to support systems (like religious organizations, community groups, or healthcare services) significantly influences a family’s resilience.

    9. Education and Learning Support

    • Family Connection: Parents assisting children with homework or prioritizing education.
    • Social Ecology Impact: The quality of schools, availability of resources, and societal attitudes toward education play a role in shaping these family interactions.

    10. Health Practices

    • Family Connection: Meal choices, exercise habits, or approaches to healthcare.
    • Social Ecology Impact: Broader health trends, access to healthcare facilities, and community attitudes toward wellness often intersect with family practices.

  • Protected: January 2025 Newsletter

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  • 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