| Abstract [eng] |
The research problem of the thesis “Multidimensional Family Therapy in Lithuania: Specific Features of a Specialist’s Work with the Family” is related to the fact that children’s and adolescents’ behavioural difficulties, substance use, school absenteeism and conflicts within the family cannot be effectively addressed solely at the level of individual work with the adolescent, as these difficulties are maintained by the interaction of family, school, peers and the broader social environment. Although Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) is internationally recognised as an evidence-based form of support, it has been implemented in Lithuania only relatively recently. Therefore, it is important to examine its practical application and the role of the specialist in the Lithuanian context. The object of the research is the specific features of a specialist’s work with the family in the context of MDFT. The aim of the thesis is to analyse the concept of MDFT, the preconditions for its implementation in Lithuania, and to reveal the specific features of specialists’ work with families. The thesis is based on a qualitative study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven MDFT specialists and coordinators working in the Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda regions, each having at least one year of experience in applying this programme. The research data were analysed following the logic of expert interview analysis: interview texts were paraphrased, coded, thematically compared, grouped into categories and interpreted within a theoretical context. The results of the study revealed that the work of an MDFT specialist with a family is structured, yet requires flexibility and individual adaptation to each family’s situation. The specialist seeks not only to reduce the adolescent’s problematic behaviour, but also to promote changes in family communication, parenting skills, mutual trust and relationships. A significant part of the work involves supporting parents, strengthening their confidence in their parenting abilities, and helping them recognise the needs underlying the adolescent’s behavioural difficulties. The study showed that family motivation is important for the success of therapy; however, in practice specialists often work with unmotivated or only partially motivated families. The findings also indicate that the MDFT specialist performs not only the role of a therapist, but also those of a mediator, conflict moderator, family educator, trusted adult for the adolescent and, when necessary, family representative in institutional settings. The development of the programme in Lithuania is limited by issues related to funding, institutional support, public awareness of the service and its accessibility in the regions. |
