How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 212

6. Initial sessions
Initial sessions of therapy consist of the first and second session of therapy. If a family seems well engaged,
and if all of the goals for initial sessions have been covered during the first session, therapists may proceed
to the goals for middle session.  Section 7. If this is not the case therapists’ should continue to focus on the
goals for initial session for a second session.
Goals during initial session
1.
2.
3.
4.

Outline Therapy Boundaries & Structure
Engage and Involve all family members
Gather and Clarify Information
Establish Goals and Objectives of Therapy

6.1. Outline Therapy Boundaries & Structure
During the initial stages of therapy it is important for the therapist to set the boundaries of therapy by
sharing some information with the family / professional system which informs them about the process of
therapy, and orientates them to the first meeting. This information is most easily shared by simple
statements made by the therapist, these should include:
•

Introductions
The therapist should introduce himself or herself as a team member and explain the role and context
within which they work (the team and the centre).

•

Team working
The therapist should explain that they work as part of a team, and that the team’s role is to generate
ideas and help the therapist understand the family / system. The therapist should explain how many
team members there are, and the professional background of the team members. The technical
equipment used should be explained including the use of the one way screen / phone / earbug.

•

Video
The therapist should explain that family sessions are usually videod, but that the cameras are NOT yet
switched on. The purpose of the filming (research / review) should be explicitly stated, as should the
storage of videotapes, and who has access to the tapes.
The choice of whether to proceed with video should then be given, and the forms completed at the end
of the meeting, giving the family a chance to decide then that the video can be erased. ￿Appendix II

•

Confidentiality
The confidentiality of the videotapes and any information discussed in the session should be outlined.
Specific statements about the boundaries of confidentiality should be made in relation to other systems,
and with regard to child protection issues.

•

Structure of the session
Information should be given on the length of the meeting, the breaks, and the use of team feedback
through messages or reflecting teams. Explain that during the break, videoing will stop and the screen
will be covered.

•

Structure of therapy
Explain that if the family/team decide to meet again, that the meetings will be approximately every 4
weeks, on the same day, and the same place. Explain that the length of therapy will be decided together
by the family / team in accordance with their needs and wishes.

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