Multisystemic Therapy

docx

School

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

2334

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by DoctorCapybara4372

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 1 Multisystemic Therapy Student Name: Institution Affiliation: Course: Instructor Name: Date:

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 2 Multisystemic Therapy Multisystemic Therapy, commonly abbreviated as (MST), is a form of psychotherapy treatment that is limited in time and targets antisocial behaviors in adolescents. As noted by Fonagy et al. (2020), by adopting holistic and ecological approach of the therapy, MTS values the influence of community, peers, school, and family on individual behavior. As mentioned earlier, this form of psychotherapy is limited in time, and so it is tailored to last for 3 to 5 months. Nevertheless, the treatment process is intense and individualized as the therapist work closely with the families to design and develop a specialized treatment plan. This type of therapy has been widely studied and proven as one of the most effective treatments in reducing criminal behavior, enhancing family dynamics, and preventing the need for out-of-home placements. As noted by Fonagy et al. (2020) crisis intervention is an essential component for addressing immediate threats to the well-being of youths. Furthermore, MST underscores integration into the community, enhancing collaboration with schools, juvenile justice systems, and mental health services. The objective of MST is to enable families to adopt rapid and long-lasting positive changes in various groups impacting on the adolescent’s life. In this premise, this assignment seeks to discuss Multisystemic Therapy by highlighting its theoretical basis, techniques and strategies, core components, and how it is helpful and applied in real-life example in the field of human service. Multisystemic Therapy is founded on well-established theoretical frameworks that inform the comprehensive proposition of addressing serious anti-social behavior in adolescents. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory is one the main theories that guides the therapy as it states that an individual behavior is developed because of interactions in an interconnected systems which includes community, schools, peer, and family ( De Garine-Wichatitsky et al.,

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 3 2021). Therefore, MST operates on the belief that effective intervention of anti-social behavior needs simultaneous alignment of the interconnected systems to achieve interdependence. The social ecological theory also underscores the essence of dynamic interactions between the individual, family, and environmental factors. Family System theory is another framework that underpins MTS as it highlights the dynamics of a family in shaping the behavior of adolescents. As noted by Bauch et al. (2022) MST is tailored to improve family functioning, problem solving, and communication skills. Therefore, family theory integrates into MTS by adopting strategies such as positive reinforcement, skill building, and cognitive restructuring in order to align specific behavioral issues among adolescents. Furthermore, MST embraces a strength-based approach which utilizes the existing strengths and resources within the community and family. As a result, the families get empowered to actively participate in the therapeutic process with an aim of enhancing resilience. Multisystemic Therapy also leverage on the Community Psychology Principles which emphasizes on collaboration with various systems and community resources. According to Bauch et al. (2022), therapist in the field of MST work closely with juvenile justice systems, schools, mental health services, and community organizations to establish network of support for adolescents and their families. MST is grounded in the understanding that systemic change is pivotal for sustainable enhancement of adolescent behaviors. As noted earlier in the assignment, MST intervention is time limited and is designed to last approximately 3 to 5 months. Community Psychology Principles integrates to MST because the intervention strategies are home-based, and community oriented in nature. As noted by Fonagy et al. (2020), crisis intervention is a fundamental component, addressing immediate threats to the well-being of the youth. In a nutshell, MST combines the above discussed theoretical foundations into a cohesive

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 4 model that recognizes the complexity of factors contributing to antisocial behavior and strives to effect meaningful change by intervening at multiple levels of influence. Multisystemic Therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy treatment that is tailored to address complexity among individuals and specifically adolescents who are vulnerable to out of home placement due to bad behaviors, antisocial, and emotional issues. As noted by De Garine-Wichatitsky et al. (2021), MST is unique in its own way, since it focuses on the interconnected systems such as schools, family, peer, and community, which can influence the behavior of an individual. Below are some of the key techniques and strategies employed by Multisystemic Therapy. On top of the list is Eco-structural Family Therapy which entails the ecological and systemic perspective of an individual. As noted by Bauch et al. (2022), individuals operate in interconnected communities which includes family, school, peer, and community. Eco-structural Family Therapy entails assessment of the interconnected systems to understand the unique dynamics and stressor of each system to establish the strengths and weaknesses. Intensive Family Therapy is another type of strategy and technique used in Multisystemic Therapy. Since MST is conducted in home, school or community setting, therapist work intensively and closely with the family to offer multiple sessions daily for crisis intervention. As noted by Conroy et al. (2023), the intensive family therapy strategy makes MST intervention accessible and relevant to a patient’s daily life. Behavioral Therapy Techniques are integrated on MST intervention by incorporating reinforcement and consequences principle to address various specific behaviors affecting adolescents. According to Conroy et al. (2023), Behavioral Therapy Techniques can only be achieved if the therapist works closely with affected families to establish clear and achievable goals in order to reinforce positive changes in individual behaviors. Another

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 5 common strategy and technique utilized in MST is empowerment and skill-building. This technique is aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency and resilience in families. As noted by Fadus et al. (2019), therapists in the field of MST are focused on streamlining problem solving and communication skills in a family to develop coping strategies and resilience. As such, this strategy comes in handy to achieving the objective. Summing up, MST leverages on community collaboration as a strategy and technique to achieve the therapeutic objective. According to Fadus et al. (2019) collaborating with community resources such as schools, juvenile justice systems, and mental health services is key to the strategy as it creates comprehensive network of support beyond the family unit. Through collaboration with community resources, issues that are beyond family can be addressed and affected individuals are in a position to receive support from multiple sources. The core components of MST encompasses various key elements and strategies that pivotal to the therapeutic approach. The components include interconnected systems where an individual operates, family as a unit for intervention, and community collaboration. As mentioned through the assignment, MST is an evidence based therapeutic intervention that is aimed to address various behavioral issues among adolescents. In this regard, the therapeutic process is grounded on ecological systems perspective, which posit that it is essential to understand the interconnected system of an individual prior to providing effective interventions to the affected individuals. These interconnected systems include family, schools, peer groups, and community. As noted by Hogue et al. (2023), the family plays a central role in the therapy, with a focus on strengthening family functioning and addressing issues contributing to the adolescent's problematic behavior. MST is characterized by its intensive, time-limited, and community-based approach, delivered in the natural environment of the adolescent. The therapy

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 6 is individualized and flexible, tailored to the unique needs of each family. Collaborative and empowering, MST emphasizes the active involvement of family members and key individuals in the adolescent's life. According to Hogue et al. (2023), therapists employ a range of evidence- based techniques, including behavioral and cognitive-behavioral strategies, to address specific issues. Continuous monitoring and evaluation, along with a focus on maintaining gains and preventing relapse, contribute to MST's effectiveness in promoting positive, lasting changes in adolescents and their families. In the field of human service, MST offers effective and versatile interventions aimed at addressing behavioral issues among adolescents. As noted by Schaeffer et al. (2021), MST is grounded on the understanding that individuals operates in an interconnected systems, which significantly influence their behaviors. The interconnected systems include family dynamics, school environment, peers relationships and community factors. The holistic approach of MST provides a comprehensive intervention that is above traditional counselling. At its core, MST recognizes family as a crucial unit that promotes intervention. According to Schaeffer et al. (2021), therapist in the field of MST collaborates with families, with a focus of making them to understand and address factors causing behavioral problems among adolescent individuals. The collaborative approach is strategic since it promotes the sense of shared responsibility and engagement during the therapeutic process. MST is unique among other psychotherapy treatments because it is community-based delivery. Therapists who practice this form of psychotherapy closely collaborate with the natural environment of the individuals, which may include home, school ore community. This approach is strategic as it encourages real time observation and intervention, making MST applicable in diverse settings. As noted by Staten (2019) MST recognizes that an individual exhibit certain behaviors as result of interaction with

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 7 their natural environment therefore, to address the behavioral issues, it is important to address where they manifest to enhance the likelihood of sustainable change. The customization and flexibility of MST interventions are essential. According to Schaeffer et al. (2021), therapists in this field collaborate closely with families to design a treatment plan that is unique and specific to individual needs. The individualization ensures that the strategies employed are not only evidence-based, but also resonate with the specific dynamics and challenges of the family, promoting a more responsive and effective intervention. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the patients are part and parcel of MST. As noted by Schaeffer et al. (2021), the therapists systematically assess how families respond to the interventions, hence making data-driven decisions to areas where adjustments as needed. This adaptability aligns with the treatment dynamic and responsive, ensuring that changes are in line with the family needs. As positive changes materialize, MST shifts its focus toward relapse prevention. The therapy is not merely about short-term fixes but is forward-looking, equipping families with the tools and strategies needed to maintain progress over the long term. Essentially, Multisystemic Therapy is pivotal in the field of human services, as it demonstrates that addressing behavioral challenges necessitates a holistic, family-centered, and community-based approach. By empowering families and individuals within their natural environments, MST stands as a versatile and effective intervention, promoting positive changes that resonate across diverse systems and settings.

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 8 References Bauch, J., Hefti, S., Oeltjen, L., Pérez, T., Swenson, C. C., Fürstenau, U., & Schmid, M. (2022). Multisystemic therapy for child abuse and neglect: Parental stress and parental mental health as predictors of change in child neglect. Child Abuse & Neglect , 126 , 105489. Conroy, D., Smith, J. A., Butler, S., Byford, S., Cottrell, D., Kraam, A., & Anokhina, A. (2023). The long-term impact of multisystemic therapy: An experiential study of the adolescent- young adult life transition. Journal of Adolescent Research , 38 (5), 842-875. De Garine-Wichatitsky, M., Binot, A., Ward, J., Caron, A., Perrotton, A., Ross, H., & Echaubard, P. (2021). “Health in” and “Health of” social-ecological systems: A practical framework for the management of healthy and resilient agricultural and natural ecosystems. Frontiers in Public Health , 8 , 616328. Fadus, M. C., Squeglia, L. M., Valadez, E. A., Tomko, R. L., Bryant, B. E., & Gray, K. M. (2019). Adolescent substance use disorder treatment: an update on evidence-based strategies. Current psychiatry reports , 21 , 1-10. Fonagy, P., Butler, S., Cottrell, D., Scott, S., Pilling, S., Eisler, I., & Goodyer, I. M. (2020). Multisystemic therapy versus management as usual in the treatment of adolescent antisocial behaviour (START): 5-year follow-up of a pragmatic, randomised, controlled, superiority trial. The Lancet Psychiatry , 7 (5), 420-430. Hogue, A., Bobek, M., Porter, N., Dauber, S., Southam-Gerow, M. A., McLeod, B. D., & Henderson, C. E. (2023). Core elements of family therapy for adolescent behavioral health problems: Validity generalization in community settings. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology , 52 (4), 490-502.

GROUP AND FAMILY TREATMENT ADDICTION 9 Schaeffer, C. M., Swenson, C. C., & Powell, J. S. (2021). Multisystemic Therapy-Building Stronger Families (MST-BSF): Substance misuse, child neglect, and parenting outcomes from an 18-month randomized effectiveness trial. Child Abuse & Neglect , 122 , 105379. Staten, F. D. (2019). Multisystemic Therapy: Improving Services to Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. JADARA , 38 (2), 6.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Multisystemic Therapy

Related Documents