Archived Spotlights

Archived Spotlights

Dr. Fraser Mustard

View Slideshow Presentation September 30, 2009

Click here for more information on the Founders Network website.

 

Don Efron receives the 2009 Elizabeth Manson Award for Community Service in Children's Mental Health!  Read more on the Award. (PDF download)

Don has been an employee of Vanier Children's Services since 1978, holding down a number of roles over the past 30 years.  His area of practice has been primarily focused on the provision of family therapy within a children's mental health setting.  Don developed and facilitated groups for children of alcoholics in the Outpatient Clinic at Vanier in the late 1980's.  Don has also acted in the role of Team Leader within the Residential Treatment program at Vanier, providing direction and clinical expertise to a multidisciplinary team.  He has stepped in to support the work of the Early Years Team, Intensive Family Services program and leads the community of practice group for the Child & Family Therapists at the agency.  During the past four years, Don has been the cornerstone of an innovative clinical training program for professionals and students, known as the "Focused Family Therapy Program".  This program also provides valuable Canadian experience and intensive supervision for new Canadian professionals.  His widely recognized acclaim in the field has drawn both staff and clinical trainees to Vanier over many years.

In 1980, Don developed "The Journal of Strategic & Systemic Therapies" published by Guilford Press, N.Y. USA.  He held the position of Senor Editor for over 20 years.  It is now known as "The Journal of systemic Therapies" with Don being the "Editor Emeritus".  This journal has had many contributing editors and writers including established leaders in the field:  Steve deShazer, Insoo Berg, Michael White, Harlene Anderson, Harry Goolishan, Bill O'Hanlan, Evan Imber-Black, Karl Tomm, and Eve Lipchick, to name a few.  Due to Don's influence, a number of experts in the field have come to London to share their knowledge with community professionals.  In 1986, Don was the editor of "Journeys, The Growth of the Strategic-Systemic Therapies" (Brunnel/Mazel Press N.Y. USA).  He also co-authored the "Strategic Parenting Manual" in 1989.

During 1988, he led a two year trial of strategic family therapy known as the "Tiger-Shark Model".  Around this time, Don initiated a professional consultation group in London, Ontario involving many local therapists, many of whom continue to participate in the process.  Don also taught courses in the extern program at the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre throughout the 1980's - 1990's.  During the last few years, Don's interest and clinical work became grounded in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy.  He has provided ongoing EFFT training at Vanier and other Southwestern Ontario agencies.

Don engages children, families and professionals using an authentic and warm curiosity about human behaviour which builds the platform underlying what is in the best interests of the child.  His rather self-effacing style is non-threatening and allows families to voice their own experience as co-creators of the path towards health.  He is a team player and has gained the admiration and respect of all those who have worked with him.