Continuing education & training

Abstract

Two important continuing education conferences are highlighted in this section. The first was held in New York in November, and was organized and is being reported by Anita Menfi, Director of the Family Studies Section, Bronx Psychiatric Center, New York. Since 1964 this center has trained therapists, supervisors and administrators who function within the mental health system, with a focus on a systems approach towards patients, their families, the service agencies that assist them, and the community in which they live. The conference keynote speaker, noted anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell headed a faculty of experienced family therapists who led multiple workshops on the theme, The Clinical Challenge of Working with Families in Today's Community.

The second conference held in December in Phoenix, Arizona was organized by Jeffrey Zeig, a Director of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation, and is reported by Miriam Cohen, a resident psychiatrist at Good Samaritan Hospital, who participated in the conference. Keynote speakers Jay Haley and Carl Whitaker led a large faculty presenting over 50 papers in a tribute to the life and work of Milton H. Erickson. Of special interest to our readers is the application of Erickson's ideas to family treatment. Haley has written widely on this, and Leveton and Lustig among others presented their understanding and application of Ericksonian principles.     

Research & clinical exchange

Abstract

Question: I once heard Carl Whitaker say at a workshop that one of the greatest myths about marriage is the idea that “I didn't marry your family, I married you.” This makes me wonder when it would be appropriate to involve the families of the two people planning to get married, when the couple goes for premarital counseling.