The Influence of the Mental Research Institute: A Conversation with Wendel Ray and John Miller †

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Umberta Telfener is a highly respected figure known for her diverse contributions to various facets of family and systemic therapy. Her leadership style has earned her a reputation as somewhat of a ‘cultural anthropologist,’ reflecting her aptitude for creating connections, establishing relationships, and developing partnerships. Her unique ‘Umberta style’ is known for boundless energy, active leadership, and fierce commitment to challenging the status quo. Despite being in office for just a year at the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA), Umberta has conceived and developed numerous projects, establishing networks with practitioners, and systemic thinkers across the world. Rooted in classical philosophical training, her pursuit aligns with the systematic study of fundamental questions about existence, reason, knowledge, value, mind, and language. Umberta's role reminds one of a ‘Chasqui,’ a Quechua term for a ‘messenger,’ which aptly describes her agile networking skills. She actively communicates and shares vital messages, supporting the international community of systemic practitioners. This paper is based on an in‐person conversation held in July 2023 at Umberta's country home in Tuscany. Our discussion delves into her extensive professional experience, from training at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, being mentored by Boscolo and Cecchin in Milan, to her leadership role as the current EFTA president. Umberta reflects on early pioneers who influenced her thinking and her impactful work with systems.

Section: Background To the Interviewmentioning

confidence: 83%

Systems thinking: fostering collaboration and connections to strengthen the field. A conversation with Umberta Telfener

Amorin‐Woods,

Telfener

2024

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“…Deisy Amorin-Woods: Do you mind telling me a bit more about that Andrea … the beginning of the concept? Andrea Mosconi: It was because the model of the Milan team at that time was based on Bateson's ideas (Bale, 1995) but also on the MRI Centre approach (Amorin-Woods et al, 2022;MRI, 2022;Watzlawick et al, 2011), the Brief Therapy Centre, and the development of paradox, the prescription of the symptom. So, they mixed the two levels and blended it.…”

Section: N Troduci Ng a N Dr E A Moscon Imentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Through my curiosity as a stance, dialogue as a medium, and the exchange of rich stories as a process, my wish was to generate deeper knowledge and understanding. My conversation with Matteo Selvini (Amorin‐Woods & Selvini, 2023) allowed me to learn about and gain a deeper understanding of Mara the person and Mara the influential family therapy figure through Matteo's recollections, reflections, and experiences as a son, as well as colleague and collaborator. In this second conversation with Andrea Mosconi, I was able to gain a deeper sense of Boscolo and Cecchin, their approach and influence, through the lens of a mentee, colleague, and collaborator.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The influence of the Milan approach—Part 2. The legacy of Boscolo and Cecchin and their Paduan connection: A conversation with Andrea Mosconi

Amorin‐Woods

Mosconi

2023

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The Milan approach, pioneered by Selvini‐Palazzoli, Boscolo, Cecchin, and Prata, has significantly contributed to the field of psychotherapy, particularly in the realm of systemic and family psychotherapy. While rooted in systemic principles and concepts, over time the original Milan group demonstrated differences in their clinical orientations and practices which led to their regrouping into two teams. The paper explores the divergences in their views and directions on family dynamics and the role of symptoms within the system. It delves into the influence of Boscolo and Cecchin, two of the ‘Milan Four’ on the Centro Padovano di Terapia della Famiglia. Drawing from a conversation with Andrea Mosconi, a mentee and collaborator of Boscolo and Cecchin, the paper examines the reconfiguration of the original ‘Milan Four’ team and its impact on their clinical approach. Key Milan principles and concepts such as hypothesising, circularity, and neutrality are examined with particular emphasis on the work of Boscolo and Cecchin's systemic work. These principles, intertwined and interconnected, provide a fertile ground for the construction of multiple hypotheses and circular questioning. The paper also highlights the concept of reflexivity, which originates from Bateson's work and plays a crucial role in family relations and communication while explaining the birthplace of paradox taking place when two levels of meaning are ‘confused.’ The Milan approach continues to be highly regarded, as its early concepts and ideas have evolved and left a lasting impact on the field of family therapy. By reflecting on the distinct contributions of Boscolo and Cecchin, and using examples, Mosconi offers valuable insights into the rich legacy and ongoing relevance of the Milan approach to contemporary therapeutic practice.

“…Through my curiosity as a stance, dialogue as a medium, and the exchange of rich stories as a process, my wish was to generate deeper knowledge and understanding about that pivotal time. My previous conversations with Matteo Selvini (Amorin‐Woods & Selvini, 2023), and Andrea Mosconi (Amorin‐Woods & Mosconi, 2023), allowed me to learn about and gain a deeper understanding of these influential figures in family therapy through the recollections, reflections, and experiences from people who were trained during that seminal time.…”

Section: Background To the Interviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

La metafora: the power of metaphors and creative resources in working systemically with families and children with autism—a conversation with Carmine Saccu

Amorin‐Woods,

Saccu

2023

Metaphors are valuable tools of expression, which give meaning to situations and allow the spontaneous processing of feelings and emotions. As therapists, we can support clients to develop and create their individual metaphor to explain their own meaning of experiences or communicate their perception of problems. Creativity provides us with a rich landscape to explore, expand, and enrich ourselves as therapists and consequently our clients. As systemic therapists, we are responsible for the co‐creation of a human process, which has at its core safety in allowing expression, connection, and movement. Through a respectful and curious approach, we can develop pathways to tap organically into our ‘creative selves’ while reaching into our clients' creativity and selves as catalysts for connection and positive change. Creative resources and therapies have been successfully used in psychotherapy to enhance the mental and emotional well‐being of children, particularly children with autism who have limited verbal capacity or who are non‐verbal. These children also wish to be understood in expressing their thoughts and feelings; however, they use other methods of communication – sometimes obvious, sometimes not. Therefore, it is important that a therapist can access diverse ways to support the child through this process. The creative use of animals in therapy neutralises spaces, eliciting calm, safety, and healing. This is particularly the case when working with this group of children. This paper is derived from my conversation with an elder statesman of the family therapy profession, Professor Carmine Saccu. He is a jovial master storyteller who craftfully communicates via metaphors. Through creative means, play, and humour, he has developed a remarkably unique way of working with children, especially non‐verbal children with autism. He uses his canine, co‐therapist Mafalda, as a powerful resource and intervention strategy to safely elicit engagement and connection in the therapeutic space.