Phenomenological mixed methods research on trainees' experience of a family therapy and systemic practice training programme at VID Specialized University of Oslo

This study aims to explore trainees' experience of a training programme in family therapy and systemic practice at VID Specialized University of Oslo. A phenomenological mixed methods approach was used. Thirty-one trainees completed a questionnaire after their first and second years, and focus groups were conducted with 7–10 participants on both occasions. The results show significant correlations between the applicability of the programme, trainees' sense of competence, personal development, likelihood to recommend the programme and general satisfaction. After the first year, the trainees were mainly focused on their new knowledge about the systemic perspective, while after the second year, they experienced the complexity of being family therapists and systemic practitioners, integrating their new knowledge with their job and life. Findings highlight that theoretical knowledge, trainees' reflections on professional and personal experiences, supervision and peer learning are closely intertwined key elements for a systemic family therapy training.