Medical family therapists working in nonacademic medical settings: A phenomenological study

Gary Helmeke Bischof, Purdue University

Abstract

Medical family therapy has been heralded as the next frontier for the field of marriage and family therapy. Little research has been conducted on the experiences of family therapists collaborating with health care providers, and much of the existing literature has come from collaborative experiences in academic medical settings. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews and qualitative research methodology from phenomenological and life history traditions, this exploratory study elicited the heretofore unheard voices of medical family therapists working in non-academic medical settings. Thirteen participants were included in the study and reported on how they became involved in work in medical settings and on what significant personal or professional experiences influenced their decision to collaborate. Other areas addressed by study participants include: what they found most enjoyable and most challenging about this work, how they were paid, unique aspects of collaboration in rural settings, and gender issues in collaboration. Study participants offered metaphors that captured the essence of their experience, and suggested what to do and not to do to facilitate successful collaboration with health care providers. Ethical issues in collaboration, particularly the negotiation of dual relationships in light of frequent requests from medical providers for therapy, are also discussed. The roles of the medical family therapists in this study were compared with the roles of family medicine residency behavioral scientists. Implications of the findings in this study are offered. Recommendations regarding sensitive treatment of ethical issues, further research, and training are also made.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Sprenkle, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mental health|Surgery

COinS