Research project
The Family Stories Study: Continuing the family therapy journey beyond the therapy room
Who is this research most relevant to?
- Family Therapy and Systemic Practice Clinicians
- Policymakers
- Program developers
- Organisations
- Families
Contact for further information
Overview
As a practice-research centre of the School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, The Bouverie Centre invites all families who come to the Centre to join our practice-research community.
The Family Stories Study follows family members from 12-months after they begin their family therapy journey at Bouverie. We talk with adults, parents, and children about their needs and what’s most helpful for families during challenging times. These research insights will help ensure that families receive maximum benefit from our service.
Specifically, we’re looking at:
- the diversity of families i.e., who comes to Bouviere
- what problems and challenges families face and need support with
- what the outcomes are for families who engage in family therapy with Bouverie
How can families get involved?
If you attend at least one family therapy session at The Bouverie Centre, you will receive a call from one of our Family Care Coordinators approximately 6-months after you first contacted us. During this phone call, the Family Care Coordinator will ask how your family is going and then invite you to join the Family Stories Study.
What information will families share?
During the 12-month Family Stories interview, we will ask questions about:
- your reflections and perspectives before, during, and after family therapy
- your experience of coming to Bouverie
- what it’s like for all family members to come to therapy together
- your experience of change in the family over time
Families who complete the 12-month Family Stories interview are paid $100 for their time.
Research publications and shared knowledge
Hartley, E., Moore, L., Knuckey, A., von Doussa, H., Painter, F., Story, K. et al. (2023) Walk-in Together: A pilot study of a walk-in online family therapy intervention. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 44, 127–144. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1534
McIntosh, J., N. Rottem, Z. Cloud, et al. 2025. “ Contrasting Team and Co-Therapy Approaches to a Walk-In Family Therapy Program.” Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy 46, no. 3: e70014. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.70014.
Moore, L., Knuckey, A., Barrington, N., Tsorlinis, K., George, E., Story, K., ... & Young, J. (2026). Walk-in together: Online therapy for families, when and where they want it. In Implementing Single-Session Psychotherapy (pp. 121-138). Routledge. Access the book here.