Creativity in local family therapy practice

Abstract

Creativity is a multi-faceted socially-constructed concept that has become integral to the therapeutic process. The scope of this study was to identify the themes on Maltese family therapists’ constructions of creativity in their clinical practice, and shed light on the processes that might help or hinder the said creativity. Data was gathered through interviews with 6 local family therapists, and was analysed using thematic analysis in order to collate it into relevant themes. Themes on participants’ understanding and use of creativity varied, from being a means of communication and expression, to providing multiple functions in the therapeutic process. Findings highlight that creativity also took different forms, from the purely dialogical, to the use of creative media and divergent thinking. Participants further identified numerous processes that influenced their ability to utilise creativity in their clinical setting. Most of these creative processes emphasised the self of the therapist, including selfconfidence, motivation, upbringing, training, supervision and self-reflection. Other processes concerned the client family and work environment, specifically the time and resources available to family therapists. Participants additionally commented on how other colleagues and their supervisors were instrumental in influencing their creative potential in the therapeutic setting. In conclusion, all participants were unanimous that the use of creativity in family therapy practice was of paramount importance even though their concept of creativity varied. Numerous processes influence the therapist’s use of creativity. Finally, participants put forward their own recommendations to aid the development of creativity in the field of family therapy practice.