Bshs 385 Angry Couple Analysis

Angry Couple
Jessica Robinson
BSHS/385
July 6, 2015
Professor Audra Stinson
Angry Couple
In the video “Angry Couple” it represents a therapeutic session concerning an angry couple who seems to be having some difficulties listening to each other and discussing the concerns they both have. These concerns range from their relationship and with their previous therapist. This particular therapeutic session is demonstrated by marriage counselor Dr. Susan Heitler. Before the therapy session begins, Dr. Susan Heitler arranges the room for symmetry and interaction. She then begins the therapeutic session by asking a few intake interview questions to better assist the couple in the counseling process.
During the Exploration Stage of the video,
As Dr. Heitler begins to understand the concern between the two, she documents her observation and offers her insight about what she has learned about their relationship and the issues they possess. Dr. Heitler prepares an effective plan of action to achieve the objective of what Richard and Judith need before the session. She explains to the couple of her theory and what she wants for both of them to do, which is to go back to good humor. Dr. Heitler goes on and explains to the couple that in order for them to proceed, they must learn new skills for communicating and discussing their issues.
Effective Interviewing Skills
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. Many of the questions asked were open questions to give the couple to explain and reflect on why their answer was indeed that answer. Here is a
What would you like to receive from our sessions? This question allows for the client to think and gain a prospective as to what their expectations are to come from the counseling session.
4. What have you been experiencing as you listen to us talk? This question allows for Richard, the client, to have a chance to reflect on how he is feeling as Judith talks about her feelings.
5. What is he feeling about what she is saying? Does it conflict with how he feels or what he is thinking? This question allows Richard to reflect back on what Judith was saying and in a since allow her to understand that he is indeed listening to her when she talks calmly and in the same manor gets some of his feelings out constructively.
What I liked most about this therapeutic session is that it presented both Richard and Judith a way of opening a new crucial responsive state of communication within their therapy session. Using the idea of changing emotion with emotion, Dr. Heitler led Richard and Judith to express emotions that pull for compassion and connection. This ultimately broke a barrier with Judith as to when and why she feels angry. That led to Richard understanding that he has to do more to make her more