An Anthill of Questions that Made Me Prepare for the First Session: A Clinical Vignette of the Usage of STIC Feedback System

In this chapter, the authors share their clinical experiences from using STIC in couple and family therapy as a clinical tool since 2010. In addition, they draw on statements from colleagues’ as well as from clients’ experiences. The authors share stories from their clinical practice that illustrate challenges and advantages with the use of a standardized and comprehensive system as STIC together with a vast variety of couples and families. Because STIC displays the clients’ answers in graphs that enable everyone present in a therapy session to see everyone’s responses, it is discussed how this may influence on the therapist and the clients. For instance, the use of STIC seems to be associated with clients becoming clearer to themselves and more focused on their needs in therapy. It is thus discussed how feedback through STIC may work as a positive exposure to the client’s own responses as well as to the other family members’ responses. It is also discussed in what cases STIC might be too burdensome or even not perceived relevant for some families. Furthermore, some youth report that they answer more honest online, as opposed to in the therapy room. The authors reflect on how the use of STIC has helped them to become more focused on therapy alliance as well as on risk items such as domestic violence. The chapter includes short transcripts of interviews with clients.