Table 2 Sessions of FAME
Session | Theme | Aims |
|---|---|---|
1. Introduction | Introduction of FAME, participants, and therapists | Parents know the aim of FAME. Mutual expectations are identified. Methods and framework of FAME are explicated. Parents are introduced to the study. Parents and children feel motivated to take part in the group. |
2. Bucket and treasure chest | Stressors and sources of support | Parents are aware of the impact of difficulties on thoughts, behaviour, emotions and relationships. Parents recognize difficulties and risk factors. Parents can distinguish between soluble and insoluble problems. Parents experience mutual recognition. Parents start to develop the following insight: you can do something to decrease stress (locus of control). Families have a positive experience. |
3. Impact | Parent-child relationship and the impact of difficulties | Parents are more aware of their own stress reactions. Parents can differentiate between different stress reactions (e.g. rumination, sadness, sleeping problems). Parents are aware of the impact of their stress on the parent-child relationship. Parents realize how they can aid their children. Parents develop an understanding of what they and their children need to facilitate positive development. |
4. Tools | Resources and coping; development of the child | Parents gain insight in how to deal with difficulties, and how they are already dealing with difficulties. Parents increase and improve their coping strategies, learn from each other. Parents experience positive interactions with each other. Parents know what helps them to control their own emotions. |
5. Discovering | Resources and coping; strengths within the family | Parents become aware of the impact of their own emotions on their child. Parents become aware of how their children perceive the world and emotions of their child. |
6. Treasure map | Social support | Parents obtain insight in how they can ask for help. Parents obtain insight in how they can offer help. Parents become more aware of their self-worth. |
7. Closing session | Concluding FAME; leave-taking | Looking back: What did you learn? Looking forward: How will you use the things you learned during FAME in the future? Self-confidence of participants is stimulated. Participants develop ideas on how to hold onto and use acquired insights. |