Interfamily Therapy: Theoretical and Methodological Foundations

In the first part, the authors explain some basic notions of the attachment theory which is the main theoretical basis of interfamilial therapy. The multifamily group is described as a “secure social base” where the participants can carry out their therapeutic process. Subsequently, the characteristics of the intervention within the multifamily group from the perspective of attachment are discussed in more detail. In the second part, the authors introduce us to dialogic practices and their application in the multifamily group. They outline the four dialogical levels (individual, intrafamilial, interfamilial and social) that occur in parallel in the multifamily group context. Finally, they make a proposal for the integration of dialogic practices and attachment theory in the multifamily group and analyse the role of the leader from a dialogic perspective. In the third part, they introduce practical aspects that facilitate the construction of the multifamily group: the convening, composition, temporality and complementarity with other therapeutic activities. Finally, suggestions are given on how to start or close the multifamily group session.