Core Competencies in Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems: Systemic Stance and Systemic Skills

Although Systemic Family Therapy (SFT) is an evidence-based approach for adolescent behavior problems, manualized SFT models have not been widely adopted in usual care due to the training and implementation resources required. This article presents a core competencies framework for offering SFT to adolescents and their families. It begins by discussing challenges to implementing SFT in routine care and presents the core elements strategy. It then describes the rationale and procedures for developing competency guidelines for SFT. It then describes a paradigm shift that undergirds SFT and articulates two categories of competencies: Systemic Stance and Systemic Skills. The Systemic Stance competencies described are Collaborative and Empowering, Nonjudgmental Curiosity, Respect for Complexity, Maintain a Relational Focus, Focus on Process, Conscious of Similarities and Differences, and Critical Consciousness. The Systemic Skills competencies described are Systemic Assessment, Construct a Relational Cycle, Problem Formulation, Broaden the Map, Goal Formulation, Maintain Balance among Family Members, and Putting Forth and Drawing Forth. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for implementation, practice, and future research.