About the course
Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) is an evidence-based, effective and practical skills-based approach in which the therapist, service user and family members work together to promote:
- Knowledge acquisition
- Positive communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Coping skills
- Stress reduction
- Relapse prevention
- Achievement of individual goals
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for Schizophrenia (NICE, 2014) recommends offering family interventions to all families where someone experiences episodes of psychosis. Evidence indicates that this approach is effective for those with bipolar disorder, major depression and other long-term mental health problems.
The course covers both the theory and practice of BFT. The course will introduce participants to the theoretical aspects of the approach and highlight the similarities and differences between BFT and other psychosocial and psychoeducational approaches to working with families under stress. This course will be particularly applicable to those people working within the fields of Adult Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Children’s Services.
The majority of the course consists of participants learning the skills, which constitute the BFT approach. The course teaches these skills in a highly practical way. Participants develop them through role‑play in pairs and small groups, by observing tutors and filmed material, and through large and small group discussions. Participants are also asked to bring material from their own caseloads to work on. Throughout the five days there is ample opportunity for participants to practice all of the skills involved in this approach to family work. A detailed course manual and all course materials will be provided.
Experienced multidisciplinary speakers and facilitators from the Meriden Family Programme team will facilitate the course.
“As a family, we have learned to communicate better, support one another, and move forward with more strength and understanding.”
— A family receiving BFT
“Content was really good, all aspects of the model were covered. The role play sessions were particularly useful in allowing for skills practice and getting used to the model. The course was structured well and each module flowed into the next.”
— A delegate
“Trainers were really helpful and supportive. They delivered the training really well and it was fun. Went into the training really disliking role plays but I felt supported and confident within my team. I like that we stayed within our teams throughout the training.”
— A delegate
“Very helpful course, good use of mixed methods e.g.- videos and roleplays. Compared to other training the roleplays did not feel as daunting or anxiety provoking, very supportive environment has been set up by the trainers.”
— A delegate
Cost
£1,150 per person (12 months supervision to be provided by local organisation)
£1,650 per person (12 months supervision to be provided by Meriden)
Who should undertake training in BFT?
Those who undertake the training should have a commitment to working with families and should be comfortable using a practical, here-and-now approach.
For staff who are not registered with a professional body (e.g., support workers, assistant psychologists, peer support workers), on completion of BFT training we recommend you co-work with a registered healthcare professional who has also completed BFT training in order to deliver BFT to families.
What does it cover?
During the training, participants will learn and feel more confident about:
- Policy and research around families and carers
- Working with carers and families
- Carer and family assessments
- Early warning signs
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
Supervision requirements for participants
Supervision is an essential part of the BFT approach. In May 2023 we introduced the requirement for participants on BFT courses to access at least 10 sessions of supervision in the year following training. Certificates will be issued by the Meriden Family Programme to reflect completion of this additional requirement once a completed record of attendance at supervision is provided.
Supervision can be provided by an existing local BFT trainer/supervisor or by the Meriden Family Programme. If provided by a local BFT trainer/supervisor, they will need to complete the appropriate section of the booking form indicating their agreement to provide supervision.
Induction dates
Participants will be required to attend one induction session prior to the course. This will enable them to meet some of the trainers, ask questions, and check the online training links/navigation through the virtual training rooms. Participants should use the device that they will be using during the course when accessing the induction session.
Available dates
- 12th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st May 2026
- Please submit your enquiry by: 27th March 2026
- 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd and 23rd September 2026
- Please submit your enquiry by: 14th August 2026
