The aim of today’s article is to highlight the importance of introducing a family-centered approach into children’s health and developmental interventions, emphasizing how parental support and training can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.
To explore this topic further, the article discusses a study by Creen et al. (2024), conducted in collaboration with Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, which represents an important step towards understanding and improving the interaction between parents and healthcare professionals in the context of therapy for children with disabilities (Lamsal et al., 2018; Harniess et al., 2022; McDowell & Lesslie, 2019).
What does the study examine?
The study examined parental involvement in Single-Session Therapy (SST) (Talmon & Hoyt, 2015) for children with developmental and behavioral disabilities.
As demand for healthcare services increases and brief therapeutic approaches become more widely adopted, it is essential not only to meet the need for efficient, cost-effective, and targeted healthcare services, particularly in the context of limited budgets and changing consumer expectations, but also to understand the dynamics between clinicians, parents, and organizations.
Methodology
Between March and June 2021, fourteen parents of children aged between 5 and 17 years with developmental and behavioral difficulties participated in a qualitative study using focus groups.
A reflexive thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data, with the aim of understanding family involvement in the Single-Session Therapy consultations they had attended in 2020.
Results
The analysis identified three main themes:
- Clinical Connection: The relationship between the clinician and the family is fundamental to parental involvement. Parents valued qualities such as warmth, humor, compassion, and clinicians’ ability to quickly establish a trusting relationship. Clinicians’ positive attitude and listening skills facilitated effective engagement during consultations.
- Parental Characteristics: Parents’ feelings, abilities, and beliefs influence their level of involvement. Parents felt valued and supported when clinicians used clear and accessible language, avoiding overly complex technical terminology. A supportive and respectful attitude towards parents increased their confidence and sense of empowerment.
- Organizational Influences: The clinical environment and the overall experience with healthcare staff, including administrative personnel, have a significant impact on parental involvement. Flexibility and understanding on the part of healthcare staff when accommodating families’ commitments improved the overall experience. Parents appreciated the welcome and support they received from all staff members, not only clinicians, which facilitated greater involvement in Single-Session Therapy consultations.
What are the implications of this approach?
Establishing a meaningful connection with clinicians is essential for facilitating parental involvement. Qualities such as empathy, active listening, and clear communication are crucial.
When parents feel valued and respected as an integral part of the therapeutic process, their engagement in consultations and in managing their children’s needs increases.
Finally, a welcoming clinical environment and a positive experience with the entire healthcare team contribute to greater family involvement and satisfaction.
Discussion
The Single-Session Therapy approach (Talmon, 1990) has demonstrated that a single meeting can be sufficient to generate meaningful clinical change.
The philosophy of SST is based on the belief that parents can draw on their own strengths to improve the way they manage their children’s healthcare needs. At the same time, it is recognized that multiple sessions may be necessary and remain available when required.
Conclusions
Parental involvement is complex and multifaceted, influenced by multiple overlapping factors related to clinicians, parents, children, and organizations.
This study highlights the importance of the connection between clinician and parent, as well as the way organizational factors can enhance engagement in therapy, ultimately contributing to optimal developmental and health outcomes for children.
Angelica Giannetti
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
Italian Center for Single Session Therapy Team
References
Cannistrà , F., & Piccirilli, F. (2018). Terapia a Seduta Singola: Principi e pratiche. Giunti Editore.
Creen, J., Kennedy-Behr, A., Donkin, R., & Verdonck, M. (2024). Understanding parent engagement in advanced allied health single session therapy for children with developmental and behavioural disabilities, Child: Care, Health and Development, 50(1), 1–11.
Talmon, M. (1990). Terapia a seduta singola: massimizzare l’effetto del primo (e spesso unico) incontro terapeutico. Jossey-Bass.