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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 ...

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When working with families, systemic therapists know that the foundation of change isn’t built on interventions alone—it’s built on relationships, trust, and belief in the family’s ability to grow. Ted Lasso, with his unshakable optimism and human-centered leadership, provides the perfect framework for approaching therapy with warmth, curiosity, and connection. In this first installment of our Ted Lasso Leadership Lessons for Systemic Family Therapists series, we explore three core principles that set the stage for ...

As systemic family therapists, we often meet caregivers who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and hopeless. They’ve tried everything, yet nothing seems to change. The child’s behaviors persist, stress mounts, and they begin to believe that their situation is unfixable. This is where reframing becomes one of the most powerful tools we have. Why Do Caregivers Lose Hope? Caregivers become hopeless when they no longer believe in their ability to make a difference in their child’s life ...