An effective case conceptualization tells a meaningful story that pulls everyone together, energized to work toward a common, mutually agreed-upon goal. In ESFT, the Negative Interactional Cycle (NIC) is the core component of case conceptualization. The first part of this course describes the nature of a negative interactional cycle, how it is informed by systems theory, and how it creates a relational frame of the problem. Two methods are presented for identifying the NIC in collaboration with families. The second part of this course introduces the ESFT Case Conceptualization Worksheet, a critical thinking tool that focuses therapists on meaningful patterns at the individual child, caregiver, and family level of the system. Questions are explained and a case example is used to demonstrate how to complete the worksheet, and then translate the information to outlining the NIC.
This is a Intermediate Level course. The target audience is all behavioral health professionals working with children and adolescents.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the nature of a Negative Interactional Pattern (NIC) and how it is used to develop a meaningful systemic case conceptualization and relational treatment plan.
2. Describe how to use enactments, highlighting pattern, and pushing the conversation to reframe individual problems as relational.
3. Describe and demonstrate a best practice rubric for evaluating case conceptualizations
This course uses an online distance-learning self-paced format. It includes recorded audio, recorded video-based webinars, and selected readings. There are post-tests to ensure comprehension of the material. Participants can communicate with the instructors via the online moodle interface. Real-time communication with the instructor in our online, self-paced distance learning courses is not possible. However, participants can send an email to the instructor via the online moodle interface within the course and expect to receive a response within 48 hours. All course content, including post-tests, should take approximately 2 hours to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our Self-Paced, Online Continuing Education Policies & FAQs for additional information regarding the CFBT online learning center, accommodations for disabilities, reporting problems with the course, instructions for viewing webinars, etc.