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Conflict resolution strategies
Handling family conflict
Conflict resolution strategies
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Symbolic-Experiential Therapy
Chosen Therapy-Strengths and Weaknesses- When choosing the therapy modality for this family, symbolic-experiential therapy seemed to fit. I compare this family’s situation to Carl Whitaker’s reference his work as, “therapy of the absurd.” The classifications of prejudices, biases or any type of discriminatory acts are absurd to me. I had my reservations about the techniques that Carl Whitaker displayed when I watched the videos but for this family situation, I think it seems appropriate. The issues surrounding this family are complex, same-sex marriage (sexual prejudice) and require a straightforward approach. Symbolic-experiential therapy is not based on any one type of theory. Instead, the therapists as the
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Because the therapist uses the techniques of grasping thoughts and movements of the clients and interprets them through symbolism, the process is more spontaneous An example would be that of having members express their inner thoughts, not an easy task to accomplish and not easily defined. This type of therapy would need to be adjusted depending on the needs of the family and so, no one set rule would apply. Some view the types of techniques used in this therapy as offensive or without …show more content…
One of the families does not approve of the marriage because they do not approve of same-sex marriages. They never call the mother to ask about the children nor do they wish to get involve with the other family members. There is little contact or support from extended family members. The parents views are based on “old style” “old-fashioned” world views of, “the bible says…” and it is clear in their mind that men and women have a specific place and role in a families life. This is causing stress among the children as they one visited and spent time with their grandparents and undue stress and hardship on the
Research of literature depends on the theory or topic one is researching. Research uncovers what the author knows about his or her discipline and its practices. Augustus Napier is a family therapist with vast experience in family therapeutic processes and experiential therapy with couples. In my research of his background, I reviewed his book “The Family Crucible.” In this text, Dr. Napier chronicles the therapeutic process of one fictitious family (which is a composite of real cases) experiencing marital discord. In reviewing the case studies in this book, I gained insight into his style of the therapeutic process, which exposed Dr. Napier’s framework which leads to his assumptions about marriage. The details of this case study coupled with Dr. Napier’s added paragraphs and chapters of analyses with his conclusions on the maladaptive reasons people marry other people make this resource of great qualitative value. Additionally, useful evaluative data revealing a deeper insight into Dr. Napier’s position on irreconcilable differences can be fo...
Szapocznik, J., Schwartz, S. J., Muir, J. A., & Brown, C. H. (2012). Brief strategic family therapy. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 1(2), 134–145.
Napier provides a crucial exploration of the therapy of a family struggling with battles for the structure of their family and battles to define and grow their relationships with one another. Napier and Whitaker seamlessly and purposely work with each family member, educating and
According to Richard Charles (2001) “the effectiveness of family systems theory rests not much on empirical research but on clinical reports of positive treatment outcomes, the personal benefits experienced by the families that underwent this kind of treatment, and the elegance of Bowen’s theory” (p. 279). Bowen’s family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and is a theory of human behavior. Systems thinking are used to describe the complex interactions in the unit. However, the client’s ability to differentiate himself/herself from the family of origin is the basis for Bowen’s family systems theory. In addition, the primary focus for growth within the emotional system is differentiation of self. Differentiation of self will be explored as well as how it relates to a church congregation.
Experiential Family Therapy is a therapy that encourages patients to address subconscious issues through actions, and role playing. It is a treatment that is used for a group of people in order to determine the source of problem in the family (Gurman and Kniskern, 2014). Experiential Family Therapy has its strengths and weaknesses. One of the strengths of this therapy is that, it focuses on the present and patients are able to express their emotions on what is happening to them presently. The client will have time to share everything about his/her life experiences one on one without any fears. As a result, it helps the client in the healing process because, he/she is able to express their feelings freely and come out of the problem. Therefore, in this type of therapy, the clients are deeply involved in solving their issues. It helps clients to scrutinize their individual connections and to initiate a self-discovery through therapy, on how their relationships influence their current behaviors (Gurman and Kniskern, 2014). By examining their personal relationships through experiential family therapy, family members are able to
Homosexuality was once considered a mental illness which lead to attempts to “cure” it. One of the main theories of homosexuality is that it stems from deviant behavior experienced in childhood. Some men develop homosexual attractions due to a bad relationship with a distant father or in response to childhood molestation (Shapio 5). While some homosexual attractions have been caused by these issues, most homosexuals have not been exposed to molestation or family issues. One of the methods to cure homosexuality is conversion therapy. Conversion therapy consists of a variety of methods, both physical and psychological. Some of these methods include praying away the gay, electroconvulsive therapy, hypnosis, and drugs (“11 Ridiculous” 1). There are many camps which are designed for conversion therapy but many of their practices remain secret. There is little information to be found online regarding these camps because they realize that they are behaving inappropriately so they hide their acts. In the 1980s, homosexuality was determined to have a biological cause; this created two sides – supporters of conversion therapy and its detractors (Friedman 1).
This discussion will examine the Freed and Smith family. Stephanie and Shelia are a homosexual couple that has been cohabiting for eight months. Both women have children whose fathers’ are not active in their life. Stephanie has a son who is a 17-year-old high school dropout and works part time at a restaurant, and Sheila has 3 children. Shelia’s oldest son is nine, and her twins are two. As a result of the transition, Shelia’s son had to change schools which have resulted in issues with bullying. The parents reported that their son is having difficulty sleeping and observed a change in his appetite. It was also reported that the twins regressed in their sleeping and self-regulation. The technique that the therapist could use for this family
It is also important to recognize that it is vital that therapists remain self-aware and avoid judgments based upon their own understanding. This session is my first opportunity to work with a same-sex couple and to see therapy unfold over the span of the quarter. I have based my approach on the data that was presented to me through intake forms and prior sessions with the couple. To protect the couple from any negative counter-transference, I filtered my observations through the theories of Gottman’s Married Couple Therapy (2008), Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (2008) (EFT), and David’s Integrated Model of Couple Therapy (2013a) (ICT). The bulk of this paper will then examine my therapeutic approach, the supporting theoretical concepts, and my strengths and weaknesses as a therapist during the session.
Mistrust is a critical obstacle for the therapist to overcome especially for those who have been oppressed, marginalized, or discriminated against. As a therapist, I would adhere to The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics and create a therapeutic environment that respects the family and values them as the experts of their own lives.
Ethnocentrism as described by Jandt is considered to be a barrier to effective intercultural communication, it is defined as negatively judging aspects of another culture by the standards of one’s own culture (Jandt, 2010, pp. 84). A blended family is at times hard to live in, especially when stepchildren are involved. As a family the stepchildren’s mother chooses to live a lifestyle as a lesbian, when that children were younger there was friction due to the disagreement with that lifestyle choice. Many judgements were passed regarding how the children were raised and if her partner should be able to parent the children due to a past of violence and anger. This has caused some disagreements in the family making people feel like they were
The techniques used in marriage and family counseling can be different. For instance, counselors will sometimes handle family therapy in different ways than they would couples or marital therapy. Both family and marriage c...
I found your thread to be insightful. Families of adolescents of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children are all different. Some families accept their children, while others do not. One such example is my extended family. I have two cousins who are openly gay. My dad’s step-brother and his wife did not respond well to their son “coming out” because they are devout Christians. They believe marriage is designed for one man and one woman for life. Due to his parents’ reaction, he now feels like everyone who disagrees with his sexual orientation is homophobic. My dad’s sister and her husband were more accepting of their son “coming out”. They do not treat him any differently than their other children; however, my aunt now accuses
Family systems therapy began during the early 20th century; specifically emerging during the “golden age” in the 1970’s and ‘80s based on the pioneering work of Nathan Ackerman, Virginia Satir, and Salvador Minuchin (Shoai, 2014). Historically, families have been viewed as functioning under systemic patterns. Rather than viewing problems as belonging to the individual, the therapist sees the problem as created and maintained by the family (Shoai,
Years before, homosexuality was not accepted in the society. The thought of coming out as lesbian or gay is an alarming thing for homosexuals. Most that were gay hid it from others and did not act upon it. In today’s modern society, there is ample argument concerning the idea of men and women being attracted to anyone other than the opposite sex. Such concepts lead into the topic recognizing the relationship between these people. Because of this, same-sex marriage is quickly becoming one of the most common topics of debate in politics, social media and religion. Luckily, this is the land of the free, and most of us have the legal and social honor to get married. Unluckily, thousands people get left out of this deal for the reason that their partner is the same gender as they are.
Marriage naturally creates families; it provides the conditions for a healthy environment that is beneficial to the upbringing of children. Opponents of same-sex marriage often ground their arguments on parental and religious concerns. Many argue that sa...