Cathy Story Answers

1. How can dialectical tensions be seen in Cathy's Story? Is there evidence of reframing in the story? There are several situations in this case study that show dialectical tensions. First and foremost is the Integration/Separation that is evident throughout the story of Cathy’s youth. Her and Ray have several issues with this, and her Mother does not really ever get a real solution during the younger years. This one falls into the inclusion/seclusion tension the Cathy and Ray have, and the Mother experiences too. The real interesting point in this is with no communications, the problems just festers to the point that it consumes Cathy and she heads down the wrong path. AS for reframing, there is to an extent some reframing being done by Cathy. She is totally caught up in Rays monopoly of her Mothers time, she try’s several ways to get her Moms attention, at any cost to the relationships.
2. What were some of your general reactions to the story? This one is a real close to home story for me. I have been in this situation and now my daughter is graduating in December. It has been a rocky road for her, and for my new wife. They have had several of the same scenerios that this story has. Reality is easy to read, but, tough to live!
3. What moral lesson does the story seem to be revealing or reinforcing? That communication can solve problems. The lack of communication will never solve anything. Talking will solve issues, maybe not to the full satisfaction of all parties, but, it will lead to compromise and something that everyone can live with.
4. If you could give Cathy advice during her rough period with Ray, what would you say? The same things that I told my daughter. That she is not loved any less, in fact, there is actually more love for her now. She has a new stepfather that will love her to. She will get her time with Mom, and she will have time with Dad too. This is a win for her, as she has someone else to spend time with.
5. If you could give Ray or Cathy's