ABSTRACT
Objective:To study the application of systemic meta-competence and its difficulties in the clinical practice of initial family therapy by qualitative research, with the aim of providing an empirical basis for developing local family therapists' clinical practice competence in systemic thinking.Methods:A purposive sample of 4 senior and 4 novice family therapists were gained, and a total of 12 hours of initial interviews were recorded.The materials were coded by thematic analysis with reference to the theoretical models of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and one-on-one interviews (totally 4 hours)were conducted with the therapists based on the coding results.Results:The application of systemic meta-competence in the initial family therapy was mainly manifested in four superordinate themes: adapting a non-pathological perspective, maintaining a relational orientation, focusing on interpersonal interactions and applying systemic intervention strategies, under which a total of 16 subordinate themes were included.The application difficulties of therapists with different qualification had both commonalities and differences.Conclusion:The systemic meta-competency is a key competence in the practice of family therapy.The application of systemic meta-competence in initial interview will benefit the therapeutic relationship, family information collections and formulation of therapy goals, and the application difficulties may reflect the culturally practical needs of professional trainings and supervisions.