Understanding Family (UniFy)

Support of Families at Eagleton School

UniFy, Understanding Family, is a comprehensive, strength based program  that promotes growth and learning within the family. UniFy encourages the family values of respect, support, and playfulness. Caring for each other is enhanced by a strong community spirit which is fostered by the healthy connections to other families in the program. All of this is guided by highly trained, diversified staff.

One weekend a month, a minimum of six families gather at the treatment facility to share in a wide range of therapeutic activities:

• Multiple Family Therapy (systemic/solution focused)
• Adventure Based Counseling
• Parent Enrichment Training/Partners in Solutions
• Community Resources/Transition Planning
• Therapeutic Relaxation: games, projects, bowling, baking, therapeutic riding program, music program, and horticulture/gardening program
• Evaluation Summaries 

The philosophy of UniFy is based on understanding and learning about each family, and finding and nurturing each family's hidden strengths. New ideas and connections will be introduced, and ineffective patterns will be challenged. Effective communication will be reinforced to reunite and connect families. Continued growth and stability will be encouraged when families return to their original communities.

Multiple family therapy is a unique treatment modality that allows for new interactions to develop that would not be possible because of the rigid patterns within established family systems. By having fathers, mothers, and children interacting and joining with members of another family, there is more flexibility and opportunity for family members to view these interactions and see different possibilities of relating that would not be evident within an individual family meeting. Also, the group process itself allows for an amplification of growth, health and alternative learning from others with support from others and encouragement of new interactions. Because diagnoses tend to be weakness-based rather than solution-based, UniFy teaches families to look for and find solutions that enhance their strength and self-esteem. This creates a circle of positive rather than negative reinforcement. For many families, this is the first time they have been offered positive approaches to their problems. Families learn to be respectful of each other; to work on common goals; and to work in positive ways on their children's transition back into society. During the UniFy weekend families participate in the Therapeutic Equine Program, Horticulture Program, Adventure Based Counseling, bowling, etc.