Robert has strong support system through Mary and his therapy sessions and groups. The attachments are growing between other connections as Robert continues his treatment plan. The assessment findings are valuable in improving the family’s structure and function and also in implementing a family specific…
Often, by the time a couple enters into marriage counseling the couple has been participation in a cycle of destructive behavior ranging from, anger, hostility criticism, communication issues, and so forth. It is reported that more than 40% of clients who seek psychotherapy of any kind state marital distress and the reason (Gurman and Fraenkal,…
From the earliest days of Dr. Sigmund Freud introducing us to individualized psychotherapy analysis session in the early 1900s (Nevid, 9), society has embraced the science of psychology. In 1993, Jim, Marsha and, yes, even Wanda, are all apparently benefiting from this mental health fad, which in fact, continues on seemingly unchanged even today in America. One would be hard pressed to find any American in 2014 who has not participated in some form of therapy at one time or another in their life. In 1993, Jim and Marsha think that they have escaped the tedium of matrimony but in reality they have become a bored, middle aged, attractive couple that has been together for 13 years, perhaps one year too long. They have reached a point in life where they have seemingly reached a plateau and…
Ripley and Worthington (2014) state, “One of the most important things you can do for the couple entering your office is to tailor the treatment to their particular style, needs, and values” (Ripley, Worthington, 2014, p. 94). The writer agrees that personalizing therapy will support fulfilling sessions, as well as, effective treatment. The rational for this decision is based off of experience in a residential facility, which implements a program that all residents must follow. However, because each resident has individual triggers, psychiatric disabilities, needs, and coping skills, their programs are individualized to help them succeed. Ripley and Worthington (2014) provide supporting opinions, similar to the previous example, which approve of altering the typical course of therapy based on the demands of a couple.…
In the medical field there emerges a conflict that all physicians will eventually come to deal with, or are already dealing with regularly; that is the conflict of Autonomy and informed consent versus Paternalism and the doctor's intervention. In one hand, Autonomy is the principle of non-interference and the right to self-governance; informed consent is the concept that "Every human being of adult years and sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his own body (102)" it is the exercise of a choice after being informed of the process and risks of a medical treatment. While in the other hand lies Paternalism; "the interference with, limitation of, or usurpation of individual autonomy justified by reasons referring exclusively…
Lebow, J. (2014). Stages of therapy: Engagement, assessment, and termination. In , Couple and family therapy: An integrative map of the territory (pp. 151-170). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/14255-007…
When first meeting with couple, there is a very important question that should be asked to establish a counselors position. That question is if the couple had ever been to therapy in the past and what came of it? In this video by asking that question, the couple’s response provided Dr. Heitler with an understanding as to why the couple was seeking therapy as well as the reason(s) why their previous counseling sessions were unsuccessful.…
Nichols, M. P. (2012). Family therapy: Concepts and methods. (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ.: Pearson Education Inc.…
Couples and family therapy is embedded within the foundation of systems theory which postulates “psychological problems as arising from within the individual’s present environment and the intergenerational family system” (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2006, p. 438). The family systems perspective is developed with the notion that clients’ problematic behaviors may serve a purpose for the family, may be a function of the family’s inability to operate efficiently and may be a symptom of dysfunctional patterns handed down across generations (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2006). The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists proposed eight core ethical standards for couples and family therapy. These codes are outlined as: responsibility to clients; confidentiality; professional competence and integrity; responsibility to students and supervisees; responsibility to research participants; responsibility to the profession; financial arrangements and advertising (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2006). Couples and family therapists are inevitably confronted with more potential ethical conflicts than individual therapists as the most common reasons reported for seeking couples therapy are problematic communication and lack of emotional attachment (Corey, Corey & Callanan,…
The couple did not seem to be cooperating well because the couple did not seem to know how to ask each other for help. The counselors wanted to model and teach the clients how to make requests and agreements respectfully and lovingly, so their commitment to their common goal for the relationship could be met.…
Too often we associate negative emotions with the endings of relationships be it romantic, personal, or professional. But as helpers we must remember that our role is to enable development, assist helpees explore and learn different coping methods and discover with them ways of achieving their objectives not to have a dependant relationship. Thus we should feel proud of any progress we make in each and every session. a summary that includes accurate paraphrasing, reflecting meaning and feeling, active listening and a sense of acceptance is key inn keeping with Carl Rogers’ core conditions of UPR, genuineness and empathic understanding in order to gain closer understanding of another.…
The issue of termination is an important aspect of the counselling process because it marks the end of a relationship between a counseller and client. Although I have never been in a counselling relationship where the termination process was an important factor, I can relate this process to that of a breakup with my partner when he moved interstate. We both had feelings of dependency on each other and had a mutual care for each other, but knew that we could not continue on with the relationship, so we terminated the relationship so to speak because basic contact would be too emotionally difficult. Similarly, a client and counseller relationship is at a deep level where the feelings and problems of the client are being experienced also by the counseller through empathic measures. Thus, termination of such a relationship can be a life-altering experience. Nevertheless, if both parties respect each other and are honest in voicing their reasons for ending the relationship, as it was in my case, then the end of the relationship can be seen positively, as a new beginning where both parties learn to become more independent and grow as individuals. I feel that my experience was quite similar to a counselling relationship in that we were both on the same level without one party being subordinate to the other and the complete separation ultimately helped me to grow as a person. The issue of termination is an important aspect of the counselling process because it marks the end of a relationship between a counseller and client. Although I have never been in a counselling relationship where the termination process was an important factor, I can relate this process to that of a breakup with my partner when he moved interstate. We both had feelings of dependency on each other and had a mutual care for each other, but knew that we could not continue on with the relationship, so we terminated the relationship so to speak because basic contact would be too emotionally difficult.…
The proposition of DIY Biology has sprung up many ethical concerns and controversy. As its long-term consequences are still unknown, many concerns have arisen of its unknown human effects. In addition to this, the possibility of allergens has also been an issue. As one organism/species contains a gene that may include be allergy inducing is spliced into another life form, the risk of allergic reactions is opened back up. The government should regulate and fund DIY Biology as it extends the life of organisms, and resistant to the ever growing issues of disease and drought. This would allow for food surpluses that would later feed those who are in dire need of nourishment.…
Paternalism is the practice of acting as the “parent,” which is taking it upon oneself to make decisions for the patient. Years ago the “doctor knows best” approach regarding treatment was common. The doctor merely picked a course of treatment he or she thought was best for the patient. Of course, paternalism is not acceptable today because it eliminates patients’ right to choose the treatment they feel is right for them, even if their choice is not what the doctor feels is best.…
Autonomy can be described as independence for some to choose who they are, how they live, and what they want based on relationships, social norms or encounters, and cultures. Medical staff have the power to undermine or promote a person’s autonomy based upon their own culture, beliefs, practices and clinical beliefs. Clinicians need to be up to date on best practices and all treatment options available to support community’s need for informed consent and promotion of autonomy. Informed consent is not just to obtain permission, it will give every individual all treatment options that are available or unavailable, and what will or could happen if treatment was something they wanted to decline. The treatment options available would include plan,…