Training mental health care professionals in behavioural family therapy: an audit of trainers' experiences in the West Midlands

The purpose of this audit was to explore the experiences of 42 professionals trained over a three‐year period as trainers in behavioural family therapy. Trainers completed a questionnaire designed to explore their motivations, frustrations, sources of support and benefits they experienced through involvement with the Meriden Family Programme. Quasi‐qualitative, thematic analyses were performed on the data. The audit found numerous intrinsic motivations for being a trainer, as well as a wide range of benefits, including belief in the approach, wanting to help families, enjoyment of teaching and professional development. Frustrations encountered were disinterest of staff, lack of support and restrictions on the trainers' role. Trainers were resourceful and used various solutions to overcome these. Recommendations are made on how to manage and maintain enthusiasm and support of trainers, or other family work champions.