ANZJFT Volume 23 Number 3 2002 pp. 128–137 128 Articles Five experienced Australian and New Zealand family thera- pists and trainers seek to answer the question: ‘What key concepts and core learnings should be part of any family therapy training course?’ They debate the usefulness of making ‘shopping lists’ of core concepts, the importance of considering trainers’ and trainees’ contexts in the formation of their values and perspectives, and the distinctive role of Family of Origin work in training, clarifying central themes. Three experienced trainers respond to the issues raised. First generation family therapists practised structural and strategic therapy and thought in the language of commu- nications, general systems and cybernetics. Then came second-order cybernetics, constructivism and the Milan school. More recently the core elements of family therapy have become aligned at various times with social constructionist, reflective and conversational practices, with cultural, feminist or narrative perspectives. Some family therapists today emphasize a solutions-focused, intergenerational or object-relations approach and still others focus on political action, social justice or spirituality. So, within this healthy diversity, what are the basic con- cepts or core learnings that should be part of any training course in family therapy in Australia and New Zealand? We asked family therapists and trainers in the field what theory and practice should be an essential part of a teaching course. Which most identify family therapy? Such questions concern the future of the discipline as well as its past traditions. The timing is auspicious. Family therapy is becoming recognised as an integral component of evidence-based therapy practice, particularly with children and adolescents. Recent job advertisements are more likely to seek applicants with family therapy skills. Integration is the new buzzword, and family therapy training can enhance and enrich other forms of therapeutic work and contribute to best practice. For example, clinical psychologists using cognitive therapy may address the family contexts in which personal schemas arise, or psychiatrists treating persons with serious mental illness can apply medications in family-sensitive ways. Some form of training in family therapy could well become uniform for a range of mental health professionals. To this end family therapy is now taught in diverse institutions and settings at certificate, postgraduate diploma or masters level, in social work and psychology depart- ments, training institutes in psychiatry, private colleges and relationship counselling agencies. Our Symposium is a step towards setting a benchmark for future training and plan- ning in the profession. It also prepares the discipline for a wider presence in the therapy-training field and consoli- dates recent moves of state organisations towards PACFA and discussion of a national professional association. Symposium Structure 1 In the first stage, an email discussion sets the scene for a teleconference between participants to provide an opportu- nity for maximum exchange of ideas and creative dialogue across several locations. In the next stage, invited reflections ANZJFT Symposium: What are the Core Learnings of Family Therapy? Glenn Larner, Chris Lobsinger, Malise Arnstein,Amaryll Perlesz, Bruce McNatty, Kerrie James, Jenny Brown and Sophie Holmes From left to right: Glenn Larner, Malise Arnstein, Amaryll Perlesz, Bruce McNatty, Kerrie James Addresses for correspondence: Glenn Larner, Senior Clinical Psychologist, 5/41 Oceanview Road, Harbord NSW 2096; glarner@intercoast.com.au Chris Lobsinger, Private Practice, Brisbane; cnlob@oze mail.com.au Malise Arnstein , Private Practice, Yarralumla, ACT; malise@netspeed.com.au Amaryll Perlesz , Senior Lecturer in Family Therapy, The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne. Bruce McNatty, Family Therapist at Victoria Therapy Centre, Te Raukura, Victoria Square Christchurch NZ; xtr608532 @xtra.co.nz Kerrie James, Director of Training, Relationships Australia NSW; kjames@matra.com.au Jenny Brown , Private Practice, Sydney; jbrown9@big pond.net.au Sophie Holmes, Director of Williams Road Family Therapy Centre, Melbourne; sophieholmes@ williamsroad.vic.edu.au