In 1952 a small unit existed in a house divided into four medical consulting rooms. It was called the Collins Street Clinic. It was a children’s mental health clinic. This humble beginning would transform into the Bouverie Centre Family Institute. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute a beacon of hope for families in Melbourne.
The Collins Street Clinic opened in 1952. It operated during regular office hours. In 1956 it moved. It relocated to Bouverie Street Carlton. This marked a renaming to the Bouverie Clinic. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute’s journey was far from over.
A significant shift occurred in the mid-1970s. The Bouverie Centre became Australia’s first family therapy centre. This innovative approach was driven by Superintendent Dr Geoff Goding. He was inspired by an international family therapy conference in Greece. He also participated in a workshop led by Gestalt Family Therapist Walter Kempler.
The Bouverie Centre Family Institute was revolutionary. It involved the entire family in therapy. Even fathers participated up to four sessions. This was socially radical at the time. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute’s commitment to family-centric care was exceptional.
A visit from Dr Salvador Minuchin a renowned structural family therapist solidified this approach. This happened in 1976. Minuchin encouraged the development of a formal family therapy training program. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute’s influence grew.
The Bouverie Centre Family Institute’s dedication to training was evident. A two-year family therapy training program started. It was supported by the State government. In 1981 it became the Mental Health Division Training Program in Family Therapy. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute continued to evolve.
The Bouverie Centre Family Institute moved again. This time to Parkville in 1984. It was renamed the Bouverie Family Therapy Centre. A partnership with the Lincoln Institute offered professional development courses. The Lincoln Institute later merged with La Trobe University.
A historic agreement between La Trobe University and the Victorian Government resulted in a postgraduate award course in family therapy. This Graduate Diploma of Family Therapy was offered at the Bouverie Centre Family Institute. It was the first university qualification in family therapy in the southern hemisphere. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute became a leader in the field.
La Trobe University took over management of the Bouverie Centre Family Institute in 1996. The subtitle Victoria’s Family Institute was added. The range of courses expanded to include the flagship Master in Clinical Family Therapy program. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute consolidated its position.
Between 1996 and 1998 a major statewide initiative called Get Together FaST was undertaken. It focused on training and service development. This initiative helped establish Family Sensitive Practice in Victorian Mental Health Services. It even influenced state government policy. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute’s impact was profound.
The Bouverie Centre Family Institute continued to build partnerships. It worked with Victorian services such as Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs services. It also partnered with Community Health Counselling and Gambler’s Help Services. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute’s reach was expanding.
In 2007 the Bouverie Centre Family Institute moved to its current location. A new $5 million state-government funded building was constructed in Gardiner Street Brunswick. It was officially opened in 2008 by Sylvia Walton AO. She was then Chancellor of La Trobe University and President of the Bouverie Centre’s Advisory Board. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute had finally found a permanent home.
Today the Bouverie Centre Family Institute boasts over 40 staff. They work across various areas including direct clinical services workforce development academic courses professional development and research. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute continues its legacy. It’s a testament to its innovative spirit and enduring commitment to families. The Bouverie Centre Family Institute stands as a symbol of hope and healing.