Multi-generational Family Therapy: the Andolfi Method
Multigenerational Family Therapy (MFT) was developing since the 60th through the studies and clinical experience of outstanding pioneers like Borzormenyi-Nagy and James Framo at the Pennsylvania University of Philadelphia, Murray Bowen at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Not least were the contribution of Carl Whitaker at the Madison University and Donald Williamson at the Houston Family Therapy Institute. Andolfi has been very close to all of them and he incorporated in his method the concepts of differentiation of self from family of origin (Bowen), of invisible loyalties (Nagy) and intergenerational couple therapy (Framo). Andolfi added a new dimension in MFT by including the generation of children in a very active role: the voice of children and adolescents in therapy is a great resource in the intergenerational dialogue and can mobilize new energies in the entire family. By
embracing a triadic perspective we moved to a new definition of fatherhood and co-parenting, enlarging the boundary of family system by including friends and community in the therapeutic scenario.
Practicum and metapracticum
The Accademia di Psicoterapia della Famiglia ( Family Therapy Academy) has been organizing for a number of years intensive courses ( Practicum) for foreign therapists, in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese languages . The professional handicap and the use of self of the therapist have been the main focus of our courses directed by Maurizio Andolfi and senior faculty members of the Accademia.
Metapracticum are residential courses on specific topics for teachers and therapists who have acquired a deeper clinical experience and have been participating previously to a practicum in Rome.
The professional handicap and the use of self of the therapist
The aim of the Practicum is to work on therapist’s professional handicap by connecting the present impasses one might experience while working with families and couples, with one’s own personal growth & critical developmental stages.
The use of self of therapist can be illustrated through the exploration of his/her own family genogram in order to discover silent, distant or neglected dimensions of one’s own family development.
The inner personal/professional dialogue or blockage of the therapist will be explored with the activation of the group, in order to increase competence and self-confidence in each participant. Genograms, family sculptures and role-plays will be some of the concrete tools used to explore family myths and intergenerational cut-off as well as discovering family resilience and strength. Through personal disclosure, participants will learn how to use themselves more freely in therapy at cognitive, emotional, & experiential level, and how to stay close to the client/s’ pain and despair as well as to their hopes and dreams.
Externship
The family therapy Academy organizes externship programs for foreign therapists able to speak and understand the Italian language and willing to learn about the Accademia model of therapy and supervision. Externs can observe and actively participate to therapies with families and couples in the “polo clinico”, (a specialized section of clinical services) and be included and activated in training groups with Italian students during live family supervision and in personal formation’s courses.
During the externship it is possible to enter in the Academy’s Multimedia library and watch Andolfi’s edited clinical videos of his master series as well as his video lectures. Videos of the pioneers of family therapy are also available. The externs can attend the scientific conferences and lectures organized by the Academy while they are present in Rome and can be included in the Academy Archives’ staff if they can manage and translate different languages..Extern programs are very flexible with a suggested minimum length of 2 weeks, till one month, few months, over one year.
Brief visit at the Accademia
Single person or group visit at the Accademia can be scheduled for one day till a week. Foreign colleagues can interact with clinical staff, residents of our school of specialization and watch Andolfi’s master series.
Workshops and Courses abroad
Courses and Diplomas abroad
The Academy organizes courses and master programs abroad in collaboration with foreign Universities and Family Therapy Institutions,. The Academia have been running a Two years Diploma in Multigenerational Family Therapy according to Andolfi method first in Mexico and more recently in Malaysia, where the Andolfi Centre for family Therapy has been founded in Kuala Lumpur .
Workshops
Andolfi has been conducting hundreds of workshops and seminars in different parts of the world. For inviting him or Accademia senior supervisors to give a workshop/seminar write to Laura Bruno, Assistant to the Direction, at the following @: laurabruno@accademiadellafamiglia.it
Watch the trailer: Maurizio Andolfi – The Teacher in the School of Life
Laura Bruno, Assistant to the Direction, email: laurabruno@accademiadellafamiglia.it