Learn family therapy in South Africa with systems theory and structural models. Explore courses for psychologists.
This course introduces family therapy through systems theory and structural family therapy. Salisha Maharaj, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Tygerberg Family and Adolescent Unit, begins with how individuals function within wider relational systems, then covers subsystems, boundaries, hierarchies and patterns of interaction. A case example shows theory guiding assessment, formulation and intervention, and the course closes with the limits of the structural model. It is accredited by the HPCSA for CPD points and suits South African clinicians trained mainly in individual work.
This module provides a practical and accessible introduction to conducting family therapy through the lens of systems theory and structural family therapy. Presented by Salisha Maharaj, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Tygerberg Family and Adolescent Unit, the session equips practitioners with both theoretical foundations and real-world applications for working effectively with families.
Salisha begins with core principles of systems theory - emphasising how individuals function within broader relational systems - before introducing key elements of structural family therapy, such as family subsystems, boundaries, hierarchies, and patterns of interaction. The talk is enriched with a compelling case example, demonstrating how theory can guide each stage of family therapy, from assessment and formulation through to intervention.
This presentation addresses a crucial skills gap for many clinicians trained primarily in individual work. By developing systemic thinking, practitioners are better able to understand relational patterns, avoid over-pathologising individuals, and facilitate more meaningful, lasting change.
Sections
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Identify the core concepts of systems theory and their application in family therapy.
Describe foundational elements of structural family therapy, including subsystems, boundaries, and hierarchy.
Understand how to assess and formulate client presentations through a systemic lens.
Gain confidence in conducting structured family therapy sessions using clear frameworks.
Enhance clinical decision-making by distinguishing between individual and systemic sources of distress.