A model for reintegrating couples and family therapy training in psychiatric residency programs

Objective: The authors propose a family-systems training model for general residency training programs in psychiatry based on the couples and family therapy training program in Stanford's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Methods: The authors review key elements in couples and family therapy training Examples are drawn from the family therapy training curriculum in a general psychiatric residency program. Results: Conceptual and practical skills taught over the span of a psychiatric residency training program are described, focusing on: joining with the couple or family; seeing systemic patterns, recognizing the family's developmental stage, history, and culture; identifying family structure; and intervening systemically. Conclusion: This family-systems training model can serve as a resource for residency programs interested in integrating the couples and family therapy model more fully into their curricula.