Description:
OPD Points: 5
In this clear and engaging talk, Salisha discusses how to use key ideas from systems theory and structural family therapy in order to formulate and work with a family.
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
Salisha Maharaj, senior clinical psychologist at the Tygerberg Family and Adolescent Unit, will focus on how to conduct therapy with families. In this clear and engaging talk, Salisha discusses how to use key ideas from systems theory and structural family therapy in order to formulate and work with a family. Firstly, she outlines some basic concepts of systems theory and then goes on explain some of the core components of structural family therapy. Salisha includes an interesting case example to demonstrate the stages of family therapy and how the theory informs the practice. The talk includes practical concepts to use when working with a family.This talk addresses the important need to equip professionals to work with families. Many mental health professionals are equipped to work with individuals, but do not feel confident in offering a systemic intervention. A lack of skill in working with families can result in over-pathologising individuals and missing the extent to which problems arising may be related to systemic family functioning.
Presenter / Provider:
Salisha Maharaj
Presenter Qualifications:
Salisha Maharaj is a senior clinical psychologist working at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, in the child, adolescent and family unit. She is also a joint appointee and lecturer at Stellenbosch University. She has had extensive experience in working with children and their families and has pioneered family therapy clinic at Tygerberg Hospital. In 2012 Salisha presented at the World Infant Mental Health Congress and in 2018 she presentation at the World Association of Infant Mental Health Congress in Rome 2018. Further, she is secretary of the Western Cape Association of Infant Mental Health (WAIMH).
