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In this interview, Diane shares what it’s like to be the Family & Systemic Psychotherapist (Family Therapist) in Leeds FDAC and describes how her role supports the FDAC process in involving families' and working with their strengths and resources to sustain growth and change.
When did you join the FDAC team at Barca-Leeds?
I joined in January 2021, two and half years ago. Barca-Leeds were keen to introduce a wider family and systemic perspective into the FDAC service.
Tellme about your role
My role in FDAC is systemically focused and informed by feedback from families and a growing evidence base which highlights the importance of working with the wider family when treating health and substance misuse. I provide consultation to the FDAC team, work directly with parents and with their consent, their wider families to support the FDAC Trial for Change, sharing information advice and guidance with their wider families. The aim of this work is to help family members understand the FDAC processes and procedures and learn more about substance misuse, cycles of addiction and recovery. This can be helpful/essential in creating an understanding across family networks, creating possibilities for difference within the family which might support safe and sustainable change.
Where it assessed as safe and might be experienced as helpful, our parents are offered additional sessions with members of their family eg: grandma, brother, sister, aunt in which they can share and explore their thoughts, feelings and worries and also explore their strengths, resources, what they would like to change/be different together with their goals and hopes for the future. This may take place during the FDAC Trial for change and/or during a period of aftercare when proceedings have ended and the team offer an aftercare service for up to three months following the date of the final hearing.
What is the best part of your role?
Working in a close and supportive team which is dedicated to working together with partner services and agencies towards the best possible outcomes for children and families. It is also a privilege to spend time with parents and their wider families, helping them to rebuild relationships and recognize and build upon their strengths and resources.
What three words would you choose to describe the FDAC team?
Intensive, supportive and life-changing.
Parents have shared that even when their children are not returned into their care, their experience in FDAC can be life-changing. They may have worked hard to reduce their substance use and re-connect and rebuild more positive relationships with their wider family.
