Setting the BEARS free

At the Psychological Therapies Training Centre we have developed a framework – the BEAR (Beliefs, Emotions, Actions, Relationships across time) that is used to underpin teaching and learning (Hackett & Karamat Ali, forthcoming).  The BEAR framework invites those we work with (trainees, supervisees, and clients) to consider their BEAR; identifying their own Beliefs (about: their own ability, similarities & differences, theory of change, etc.), their Emotions (how emotions may organise their posture and position in the learning environment and with families), their Actions (what they may choose to do or not do), their Relationships (thinking about self in relation to others in various contexts) and how this may be seen across time.  

The BEAR framework is initially taught on the Systemic Family Practice course as a tool to develop a coherent use of self in the work with families.  On the Masters in Systemic Psychotherapy course, we invite our trainees and clinical supervisors to conceptualise various systemic theories, client families and the larger cultural context through the BEAR framework. 

The BEAR offers trainees a tool to describe their therapeutic intentionality (embedded in theory) and to be reflexive about their practice and use of self. For systemic practitioners and psychotherapists it offers a framework to consider their BEAR in the system and the way these BEARs interact with others. For clients it can offer clarity about the way they are engaging with one another and others, whether their BEAR is doing more harm than good and much more. 

We have seen how the BEAR can create a sense of immediacy and distance, play and seriousness that marks systemic praxis. This workshop will introduce the BEAR framework through presentation, discussion, demonstration, and small group work. We hope you will leave as excited at the possibilities the BEAR framework has as we continue to be. It has a coherence that can be seen across multiple contexts. We look forward to introducing you to the BEAR, developing your BEAR and seeing how BEARS interact.