Presentation: myth and misconception

This next part will be a game called Fact or False!

• I will be giving a statement and will ask for a show of hands indicating whether you believe this is statement is fake or fact.

• There isn’t much information on the myths and misconceptions of EFFT, so these misconceptions have been pulled from family therapy in general. 

Our first item: 1. The parents failed their child

• this is fake!

• Introducing family therapy shows quite the opposite

• It shows that the parents care to get professional help to improve family bonds

  • Accepting that help is required takes courage, as well as acknowledging that professionals will have expertise and knowledge that the parents may not

2. Family therapy sessions cannot treat mental illness

• this is fake!

• These sessions help members address any issues they may be struggling with alone

• Strengthening family/attachment relationships helps members become comfortable opening up, relinquishing themselves from suffering in silence.

3. Blame has no place in EFFT

• This is fact!

• To blame is never the intention of the therapist

• The professional asks questions, for example, to assess family dynamics to proceed with the healing process

  • If issues stay hidden, they will never be addressed

4. EFFT is not useful if only one member “needs help”

• This is fake!

• The underlying focus of EFFT is attachment

• If a child is experiencing hardship, then it is likely the parents are too, meaning its never one person who “needs help”

5. EFFT is useful to all races and classes

• This is fact!

• Anyone can benefit from family therapy, and it may be a preferable option for cultures outside of a Western context

• Family therapy tends to be culturally competent in nature

  • As sessions are fluid and the therapist integrates familial and cultural values