Bristol 2020: Keynote Speakers
Keynote Abstract
Constructing Connections across Cultures, Creating Connections within Couples: The Intercultural Exeter Model
The original Exeter Model was initially constructed upon validated interventions. It also developed a particular way to integrate the use of validated CBT practices with validated systemic ones, to create a new systemic paradigm. But it did not take into account the importance of focusing on the cultural input into peoples’– specifically couples’– lives. In particular, this is key in areas in which there is high intercultural marriage and cohabitation. However, it should affect the thinking of anyone, putting the influence of culture front and centre. We maintain that it is best practice for systemic work to ensure the use of and focus on cultural issues.
The Intercultural Exeter Model has been developed in response, adding in specific systemic practices that bring culture explicitly into the therapy, and focusing systemically informed questions into the Exeter Model interventions to target cultural issues.
The morning will examine specific interventions that both illuminate the model’s innovative systemic ideas and cultural focus. It will demonstrate the use of the specific circularities and culturally- focused interventions that set the Intercultural Exeter Model apart from other systemic modalities. This will be done through DVD material showing the model in action and through small group exercises to experiment with the interventions.