Sample Case Study One -1

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CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 1 Case Study One: Non-Married Coupe with no Children Student Name EDCO 820: Assessment of Marital and Family Counseling Department of Community Care and Counseling

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 2 Abstract This Case Study will serve as a couple analysis into the relationship of a non-married couple who have no children. This analysis seeks to understand the individual partners involved in this dyadic relationship, as well as the internal and external influences, along with other factors associated with the relational functioning. Two interview sessions were arranged to begin a dialogue to assess and evaluate the couple. In the initial interview session, the couple received basic couple questioning, and each partner’s verbal and non-verbal communication were observed, as well as the couple’s interaction. During the second interview session, the couple was further assessed, by completing two short assessments, which included The Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2). After the assessments were completed, scoring and interpretation of the results were provided to the couple. Following assessment of the couple, a comprehensive counselor’s action plan was prepared to summarize the work with the couple. Keywords : Mindfulness, emotional control, assessments, communication, conflict management, action plan

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 3 Case Study: Non-Married Couple with No Children Tony and Ginger (pseudonyms) are a non-married couple without children from their current or previous relationships. They are an African American couple who met at church, and have been dating exclusively for 3 years and 9 months. Tony is 27 years old and works in a law firm, preparing to go to law school, and Ginger is a 29-year-old information technology professional. Both Tony and Ginger are living at home with their married biological parents. Tony is the first-born sibling and has a sister who also lives in the parental home. Ginger is the third born sibling, with a 14-year age gap from her older brother and sister, who are both married and no longer living in the parental home. The couple agreed to be interviewed for two sessions for the purpose of doctoral research to gather data of current premarital issues affecting the church and society. Additionally, the couple were informed that the interview sessions would not be for the purpose of premarital marriage assessment. Each session lasted about 90-minutes. The initial interview session provided an opportunity to establish rapport, build trust, and to address expectations and matters of confidentiality (Williams et al., 2014) with the couple. Accordingly, to further assess important aspects of couple functioning, the 8/9 “C’s” framework (i.e., communication, conflict resolution, commitment, contract, caring/cohesion, character, culture, and children) (Williams et al., 2014) was incorporated to use in the interview questioning. Although the interview was conducted virtually, close observation of the couple was established and maintained throughout the session, as observing couple behavior can reveal many aspects of their relational patterns (Williams et al., 2014). In order to gather additional information on the couple and their relationship, Tony and Ginger were asked to complete (individually) two short paper-and-pencil assessments which

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CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 4 included The Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2). After the couple completed and returned the assessments, they were then scored and the results were interpreted and provided to the couple. Session Action Plan After conducting two couple interviews, and administering the previously referenced assessment instruments, the most notable areas were how the couple communicate, and a closely related issue, conflict resolution. For this reason, the two relational areas of communication and conflict management appear to be the most problematic for the couple. It is not apparent that the couple have attempted to employ any strategies to resolve their differences and have not sought out couple counseling. Analysis During the initial interview, a few telling interactions unfolded around these areas of concern. First, when asked if each felt heard by the other, they both responded with “It definitely depends on the topic.” When asked if either ever avoids communication when angry, Ginger responded with “I’m working on that,” and Tony stated “If the conversation is going off the rails, then I will be quiet.” Additionally, when asked if there were any challenges or issues that they believed were impacting the relationship, Tony fervently responded “Ginger is very childlike, and can be a bit spoiled at times.” However, in agreement, Ginger admitted that he was correct, and that she has always been accustomed to getting her way. Ginger also claimed to be Tony’s cheerleader and is pushing him because “he is stubborn.” Through visual observation, the couple expressed their shared affection through approving glances, laughter, and their physical closeness while sharing a blanket during the

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 5 interview. And although Tony and Ginger were not always in complete agreement on a version of the information, they seemed to compromise on the delivery of the information. Accordingly, this couple seems to follow the pattern associated with a validating couple (Gottman, 1994). Both Tony and Ginger have strong attachments to their families-of-origin (FOO) and are greatly influenced by them. Tony has been embraced by Ginger’s family, and has been told that she has become a better person because of him. On the other hand, Tony’s family only seems accepting of Ginger, and she has experienced some “push back” from his mother. Overall, the couple clearly has love for one another, and enjoys spending time together. When asked if there were any scriptures that reflect on when they ponder on their relationship, Tony responded with “Love is patient, love is kind” ( New International Version , 1978/2011, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Evaluation In the discussion that follows, results of the scoring and interpretation of each assessment instrument used for the couple are provided. The Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) Tony and Ginger were given the mindfulness inventory to measure their ability to sense real-time stress or dynamics within surrounding events. The ability to be sensitive to one’s surrounds would certainly help a new couple in their communication and conflict resolution styles. This inventory has a range of possible scores from 15 to 90 and higher scores indicting a greater awareness and ability to cope with life’s stressful situations. With an average score around 37, Tony scored a 59 whereas Ginger scored a 27. When you consider low and high scores, Tony’s score would be considered a moderately high score, yet Ginger’s score would be considered a moderately lower score. One might hypnotize that Tony is much more mindful of his surroundings, what is said, attitudes expressed, communication expressed and maybe even emotions that may not be as obvious.

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 6 Ginger may have a more difficult time being aware of these same qualities (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Since communication and the closely related issue of conflict was cited as a possible problem area for this couple, these mindfulness scores may play a role in these issues. No doubt an exploration into these dynamics will benefit this couple in their future couple satisfaction. Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2: Roger & Najarian, 1989) (Ciarrochi & Bilich, 2006) . In the case of the ECQ2 , Tony’s scores were: (Rehearsal – 2/Mild, Emotional Inhibition – 4/Mild, Aggression Control – 3/Mild, and Benign Control – 6/Moderate); and Ginger’s scores were: (Rehearsal – 5/Mild, Emotional Inhibition – 6/Moderate, Aggression Control – 6/Moderate, and Benign Control – 12/Severe). As a tool to measure one’s tendency to inhibit the expression of emotional responses, the ECQ2 revealed Tony’s intensity level across the range of behaviors (i.e., rehearsal, emotional inhibition, aggression control, and benign control) were primarily mild to moderate. Conversely, Ginger’s intensity levels were primarily moderate, yet did reveal a severe score on benign control (i.e., impulsiveness). Although her scores were moderate on all the others, this score may adversely work toward healthy communication when impulsivity is involved. Summation. A brief summation is needed at this point that includes both sessions and the assessment results. From the first session, the interview, healthy couple communication and conflict resolution were identified as an area of needed development. When considering the two assessments used with this couple a therapeutic conversation related to the meaning of mindfulness and emotional control would be wise. Tony’s score on the MAAS indicated that he was more mindfulness than Ginger

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CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 7 and Ginger’s score on the ECQ2 indicated that she may be a bit impulsive. As a competent counselor, an educational exploration of these possible dynamics in a relationship is needed. Based on these assessment results, it would serve Tony and Ginger well to focus their attention on improving their communication and conflict management skills now before entering into a marriage relationship. Both assessments utilized were helpful to understanding Tony and Ginger as a couple. A follow-up meeting will be planned to assist the couple in understanding the data. Scoring results of each assessment will be built into a PowerPoint slide presentation, and interpretation of the results will be carefully explained. Creating In working with Tony and Ginger, a Christian counselor would do well to reflect on scripture which states “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” ( New International Version , 1978/2011, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ). This practice can be very edifying and effective in helping the couple to bond. And the communication process will serve as a facilitative function to strengthen the connection in the couple’s relationship, so that the individual partners can meet each other’s needs and achieve balance and cohesion. Accordingly, the chosen approach that would be used in working with Tony and Ginger is the Gottman Method (Gurman et al., 2015). Method. The Gottman method of couple therapy (also referred to as the Gottman Method) is a structured and goal-oriented model of couples counseling. This method is selected because of its proven therapeutic benefits for helping couples that have poor communication and conflict management skills. As reported from the Gottman institute itself, the goals of the Gottman Method are to eliminate maladaptive communication patterns, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers from their past that have created a feeling of

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 8 passive/aggressiveness in conflicting situations and create the skill of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship (The Gottman Institute, n.d.). Because the couple’s relationship is still quite young and conducive to restoration, the Gottman method will be used to foster their premarital relationship, and build a stronger foundation to enter into marital relationship. Meeting with Tony and Ginger over the course of six consecutive weekly sessions is a reasonable time-frame to achieve therapeutic results. Scriptural and Counseling Support. As Christian counselors, we serve the couples that need our help, and we should always reflect on the Word of God that reminds us that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Using scripture in counseling is most preferred for Tony and Ginger. Therefore, it would be appropriate during the couple’s counseling, to share my practice of incorporating Biblical principles into counseling, as well as how they may want their spiritual needs to be addressed and integrated with the counseling sessions. Gottman couple therapy is focused in research begins with a systematic assessment to identify strengths and challenges (Gurman et al., 2015) Gildersleeve et al. (2016) address Gottman’s “we-ness” and the study found that security in the relationship included “expressions of commitment, trust, and loyalty” while prioritizing the relationship, supporting one another when faced with challenges, as well as utilizing teamwork (p. 323). This method incorporates specific approaches to working with conflict resolution between partners (Gurman, et al. 2015). Additionally, the authors affirm the importance of the couple building a shared meaning which contributes to relationship resiliency (Gildersleeve et al., 2016). There are several academic resources that would greatly support and inform the use of the Gottman Method with this couple: (1) The Soul Mates Model: A Seven-Stage Model for

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 9 Couple’s Long-term Relationship Development and Flourishing (De La Lama et al., 2012); Ten Principles for Doing Effective Couples Therapy (Gottman et al., 2015); the Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy (Gurman et al., 2015); and Gottman.com ( The Gottman Institute, (n.d.). Time-frame. Therapy sessions with Tony and Ginger are expected to be six consecutive sessions, lasting one-hour. Another research recommends an estimated 5-10 weekly sessions for relationship enhancement when using Gottman’s method (Gurman et al., 2015). Obtaining an early understanding of the couple dynamic through interviews, work can begin immediately, with the initial focus on educating the couple on FOO influences. Subsequent sessions would address components/techniques of the “Sound Relationship House Theory” (Gurman, 2015, p. 129), which would address communication and conflict management. The authors suggest that counselors should not try to follow a “prescribed recipe “for each session, but rather should stay in the moment with the couples affect and what they bring into the session (Gurman et al., 2015). Desired Outcome. The positive goals of Gottman Method are to disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship (The Gottman Institute, n.d.). There are no anticipated negative outcomes with utilizing this counseling method. The Gottman Method’s Sound Relationship House theory has proven therapeutic benefits for helping couples like Tony and Ginger to enhance their communication skills, and learn to manage their conflict, which is the desired outcome. Since the Gottman Method is rooted in several decades of empirically- based research, there is great confidence in the effectiveness of this therapy approach (The Gottman Institute, n.d.). However, throughout therapy sessions, and through follow-up

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CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 10 relationship check-ins with the couple, there will be continuous assessment for any resistance to change in the relationship. Conclusion This case study explored the relationship functioning of Tony and Ginger, a non-married couple without children. Through two separate virtual interview sessions, the couple responded to basic relationship questions, and couple interactions were explored. Additionally, the second interview provided the opportunity to further assess the couple’s relationship through two separate assessment tools: The Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2); after scoring, and interpretation the results were discussed with the couple. Subsequently, the counselor’s action plan, combined the qualitative data gathered from the initial interview, and the quantitative data gathered from the completed assessments to build a comprehensive strategy that would help Tony and Ginger understand their strengths, and opportunities for growth in their current relationship, as they prepare for marriage. The Gottman Method of therapy was selected as the appropriate method for treating this couple. Possibilities for Further Research Additional research and assessment opportunities with this couple could greatly benefit from include the PREPARE, and/or the Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study (FOCCUS) premarital inventories. According to PREPARE/ENRICH (2017), the SCOPE Personality Profile is intended to help couples: (a) foster awareness and understanding about personality similarities and differences, (b) help couples learn how to work with differences, not change them, and (c) increase couple’s ability to work together as a team using individual personality strengths. The FOCCUS premarital enrichment inventory is designed to give couples a relationship profile. Questionnaires are used to score couples across

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 11 dimensions such as shared realistic relationship expectations, effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and emotional health and effective individual stress management, and gives couples a relationship profile (Ponzetti, 2014). In all, notwithstanding the type of assessment measure used, relationship education is highly recommended for Tony and Ginger, as well as premarital counseling to ensure the couple have the tools and techniques needed for the marriage relationship.

CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 12 References Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The mindfulness attention awareness scale (MAAS) pp. 82-84. In Ciarrochi, J., & Bilich, L. (2006) (Compilers). Acceptance and commitment therapy. Measures package: Process measures of potential relevance to ACT. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from http://integrativehealthpartners.org/downloads/ACTmeasures.pdf De La Lama, Luisa Batthyany, De La Lama, L., & Wittgenstein, A. (2012). The soul mates model: A seven-stage model for Couple’s long-term relationship development and flourishing. The Family Journal, 20 (3), 283-291. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480712449797 Gildersleeve, S., Singer, J. A., Skerrett, K., & Wein, S. (2016). Coding “we-ness” in couple’s relationship stories: A method for assessing mutuality in couple therapy. Psychotherapy Research, 27 (3), 313-325. Gottman, J. (1994). Why marriages succeed or fail: And how you can make yours last. Simon & Schuster. Gottman, J. S., Gottman, J. M., & Siegel, D. J. (2015). 10 principles for doing effective couples therapy (First ed.). W.W. Norton & Company. Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., & Synder, D. K. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (5th ed.). The Guildford Press. New International Version Bible . (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com/ (Original work published 1978) Ponzetti, J. J. (2016). Evidence-based approaches to relationship and marriage education . Routledge. PREPARE/ENRICH. (2017). SCOPE Personality Profile Training Manuscript .

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CASE STUDY: NON-MARRIED COUPLE 13 Roger, D., & Najarian, B. (1989) Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2). pp. 20-23. In Ciarrochi, J., & Bilich, L. (2006) (Compilers). Acceptance and commitment therapy. Measures package: Process measures of potential relevance to ACT. Retrieved February, 2, 2023, from http://integrativehealthpartners.org/downloads/ACTmeasures.pdf The Gottman Institute. (n.d.). The Gottman Method. Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/ Williams, L., Edwards, T. M., Patterson, J., & Chamow, L. (2014). Essential assessment skills for couple and family therapists . Guilford Press.

Sample Case Study One -1

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