VI Iberian Congress of Family Therapy: A Key Event in the Field of Psychotherapy

The VI Iberian Congress of Family Therapy, organized by the Spanish Federation of Family Therapy Associations (FEATF) and the Portuguese Society of Family Therapy (SPTF), brought together over 700 professionals from the fields of psychotherapy, health, and research in Oporto, Portugal.

Under the theme "The richness of systemic family therapy: diversity and creativity in our different intervention contexts," the event served as a pivotal space for reflection, exchange, and updates on contemporary challenges in systemic family therapy and its role in today’s society.

Embracing Diversity, Building Connections, and Exploring New Relationship Dynamics

Over three days, the Congress featured a blend of roundtable discussions, conferences, and in-person and online workshops that delved into topics such as cultural diversity in therapeutic practice, narratives beyond clinical settings, integrating body and language in therapy, and preventing mental disorders in children and adolescents.

Speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogues between cultures and approaches, highlighting the significance of viewing human relationships through complexity, respect, and creativity – the cornerstones of the systemic approach.

Insights from International Experts

The inaugural conference by Professor Daniel Sampaio delved into the theme "Coming out and attachment to the romantic partner: some reflections," exploring the challenges faced by couples and affective identities in today’s context.

Renowned therapist Maurizio Andolfi presented "Multigenerational Family Therapy: The bottom-up approach," urging a perspective that looks at the family system through the voices of younger generations to understand intergenerational dynamics.

Umberta Telfener, President of the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA), offered a keynote on "The Therapeutic Dance," reflecting on the emotional dance that occurs between therapists and families, where each interaction becomes an opportunity for transformation.

Addressing New Challenges in Couple Therapy and Violence Prevention

Couple therapy from a systemic approach played a prominent role, with discussions centered on new relationship models, gender roles, sexual identity and orientation, and fresh perspectives on violence.

Furthermore, addictive behaviors and emotional disorders were analyzed as relational manifestations rather than mere symptoms, underscoring the need for comprehensive therapeutic approaches involving families and communities.

Final Thoughts and Future Edition

The Congress concluded with a Systemic Dialogue titled "How to age. Today and in the future," featuring Roberto Pereira, Ana María Gomes, António Roma Torres, and Rui Couceiro, reflecting on aging as a stage of growth, connection, and purpose.

According to FEATF President Jorge Gil, "This Congress has been an example of Iberian cooperation and how the diversity of perspectives enriches our professional practice. We leave with the feeling of having shared knowledge, affection, and commitment to family therapy."

SPTF President Ana María Gomes highlighted, "The spirit of the Congress has been about sharing from our differences, listening with curiosity, and weaving professional networks that transcend borders."

Held every three years alternately between Spain and Portugal, the Congress reaffirms both entities’ joint commitment to the training, research, and dissemination of systemic thinking. The next edition is scheduled to take place in Spain in 2028, solidifying this event as a crucial platform for the advancement of family therapy in the Iberian context.