Can a classification of family therapy be developed from expert consensus opinion

摘要: Systematic reviews have shown that family therapy is effective for a range of disorders (Carr, 2009a,b). However, there are many forms and it unclear which specific work best conditions. One problem reviewers used inconsistent definitions the field to guide selection exclusion studies from reports. Furthermore, seems be little agreement about how classify therapies comparison, leading difficulties in establishing clear evidence-base. The current thesis aimed address these problems by using Delphi survey (Linstone & Turoff, 1975), see whether panel senior therapists could agree on definition classification consensus opinion. Twenty-seven international experts were initially recruited complete three, iterative rounds questionnaires. process resulted profile essential, unique proscribed elements therapy. There was should incorporate set essential (systemic) theories, practices aspects therapists’ training. over types excluded only few agreed. Two classifications agreed as useful based 1) mechanisms change 2) focus (specific versus relationships). Overall, results suggest possible employ consensus-building techniques inform contemporary use may produce more informative contribute Future would need some broad concepts, identified panel, operationalised this purpose.