FAMILY-THERAPY TRAINING RESEARCH - AN UPDATING REVIEW

This paper provides an update of research into the training of family therapists. Issues from the overarching contexts of adult learning, pr ofessional training and current themes in the practice of family thera py are briefly outlined. The early organization of the training resear ch field is seen as being programme orientated, lacking a multi-perspe ctive approach (particularly that of the trainee) and not making use o f qualitative research methods. The more recent empirical research is reviewed with these issues to the fore. The paper concludes by providi ng a new set of research questions, many of which can be addressed by qualitative methodologies and by calling for the research process to b e an essential ingredient of training for family therapists aided by t he development of the trainer/researcher role.