Psychopharmacology attitudes, beliefs, and practices among systemic family therapists and supervisors

Abstract

Many aspects of systemic family therapist (SFT) training and competence play a vital role in effective treatment and professional satisfaction. One area that has been significantly overlooked by many SFTs is the role of psychotropic medication (PM) in conjunction with talk therapy for optimal mental health outcomes. This study explores the current status of PM in SFT training and clinical practice. Our findings highlight the continued struggle of SFTs in their comfort level with addressing the PM needs of their clients. We identified a perceived inadequacy of SFT training and supervision regarding PM use. SFTs around the world need to find educational opportunities to improve their competence in working with their clients and their prescribed medications. Additional studies need to be conducted on strategies and mechanisms to improve client care. If SFTs are ignorant of PM, their treatment of clients—who often use PM—will be compromised.