Family Therapy Case Study Essay

Introduction The first interview in the therapy process is done in order to build alliance with the family (Nichols, 2012). It is also important during the first interview to develop a hypothesis identifying what could be maintaining the presenting problem for the family and outline expectations for the treatment process (Nichols, 2012). This paper will discuss how building an alliance, developing a hypothesis, and outlining expectations of treatment applies to the Vargas case study.
Building Alliance Whether counseling a family or an individual, building a therapeutic alliance is vital in the counseling process. Psychoanalyst, Elizabeth Zetzel, in 1956 first wrote about the therapeutic alliance. Zetzel proclaimed that a “sound therapeutic alliance” is a pre-requisite for effective analysis to occur and in order for this to do so, a therapeutic relationship needs to be established (MacEwan, 2009). Additionally, Ackerman and Hilsenroth (2003) identified the following personal attributes that therapist have which foster positive alliance with clients:
Ackerman and Hilsenroth (2003) also identified that the following therapeutic techniques positively contribute: reflection, exploration, noting past successes, providing accurate interpretation, being supportive, facilitation the expression of affect, understanding, affirming, and attending to experiences the client has (Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003). Regarding the Vargas case study, it would be important to build alliance with the parents, Bob and Elizabeth, but also with their two children, Frank and Heidi. This would look like establishing a bond of sympathy and understanding with each of them. To do this, this writer would apply the above techniques of reflection by reflecting back to the family what