Feminist, Solution Focused and Narrative Therapy Application (Luis Pedroza) 2.2.24

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Grand Canyon University *

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Psychology

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Feminist, Solution-Focused and Narrative Theory Application Grand Canyon University CNL-500 Dr. Julie Lerwick February 2, 2024
2 Introduction There are several therapeutic approaches that counselors can use depending on a client’s particular situation. Some therapeutic models may be more appropriate for certain clients based on their demographics and needs. A therapist has an ethical obligation to practice nonmaleficence which means that they need to avoid actions that cause harm to other individuals (ACA, 2014). Selecting the appropriate therapy for a client will reduce the likelihood of creating harm. A therapist must demonstrate competence in the approaches they implement and should be aware of which methods work well with certain clients. A therapist should practice within the boundaries of their knowledge which is verified by their education, training, and experience (ACA, 2014). Case Study Ana (24) is currently suffering from anxiety and depression due to recent events that have occurred in her life. Ana recently lost her employment and is feeling extra pressure as a solo mother. Ana’s husband is currently deployed overseas, and she reports that she does not have much family support in the area. Ana is experiencing financial problems due to the loss of her job, and she is feeling overwhelmed about raising a one-year-old alone. Ana does have prior work experience and some education completed that she can utilize moving forward to set therapeutic goals. I have elected to utilize Solution-Focused Therapy (SF) in the case of 24-year-old Ana for several reasons. A short-term therapy like SFT would be beneficial for Ana as she was only authorized eight treatment sessions by her insurance company. This approach can be completed within the provided timeframe, and she will not have to stress about paying out of pocket specially since she is unemployed at this time. Her lack of appetite and being unemployment
3 impacts her ability to survive so she is need of quick results. SFT will address her depression and anxiety in a timely matter without adding financial stressors. Solution Focused Therapy Solution Focused therapy is a widely utilized therapeutic model that focuses on finding solutions rather than taking time to analyze past problems and life events (Psychology Today, 2022). The approach utilizes questioning and coaching of clients to find ideal solutions that emphasizes the client’s future (Psychology Today, 2022). The SF approach was not created for any specific population, but it can be utilized with patients of all ages. Research suggests that the practicality, optimism, and efficiency of the method works well across cultures (Psychology Today). Goals of Counseling and Intervention Strategies Solution focused therapy is a short-term therapeutic approach that should address Ana’s needs relatively quickly. Goal setting is the foundation behind SFT (Psychology Today, 2022). Another goal in SFT is to help develop skills and tools based on current strengths to eliminate undesired behaviors and manage stressful situations (Psych Central, 2022). One of the goals for Ana is to address her anxiety and depression that is having an impact on her everyday life. Ana will identify the tools necessary to manage her symptoms and cope with the challenges she is currently facing (Good Therapy, 2018). Ana will utilize the skills that she already has to set clear goals around her unemployment status and her financial concerns. Ana along with the help of the therapist will outline a goal around her lack of support and her concerns about parenting alone. SFT will help Ana with developing a vision for her future and how she can attain her desired outcome by recognizing what is already working and what problem solving is still required (Good Therapy, 2018). There are several strategies that are utilized in solution focused therapy that help identify client strengths which help with finding solutions (Grande, 2023). In SFT it is important for the
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4 client and therapist to identify what has worked in the past to implement those actions towards finding solutions for the current issues (Grande, 2023). The techniques utilized are grouped into the miracle question, scaling questions, coping questions, and the consultation break (Grande, 2023). Compliments is another strategy that can be used as it highlights the qualities and strengths of a client which are necessary in the solution creation process (Grande, 2018). In Ana’s case it would be helpful to outline how she has managed with being a solo parent and how she has been able to make ends meet with the loss of her job. Process of Treatment One of the main focuses of SFT is to set realistic, clear, and concise goals that will help the client discover solutions to their problems (Grande, 2023). Due to this focus the approach tends to be brief and typically takes six to eight sessions (Grande, 2023). In Ana’s case it would be ideal for her treatment to be completed within the allotted eight sessions. During the treatment process Ana will need to be asked about the presenting issues that are she is currently facing. Clear goals will need to be outlined for Ana around her depression and anxiety. Ana will then find solutions around her unemployment status. Ana will then need to identify a local support system by utilizing the exception technique. This technique will have her focus on a time where she did have local support and if she can utilize that once again. Ana will need to highlight her prior work experience and realize how those can help with obtaining a new job that can help with her financial stressors. The role of the counselor during the process of treatment is to take ownership of what occurs in the sessions (Murdock, 2017). The counselor is the expert in change while maintaining an energetic process that promotes solutions for the client (Murdock, 2017). Social and Cultural Needs of Client Due to solution focused therapy focusing on the problem through the views of the client it is believed that the counselor’s perspective is not imposed on the client (Murdock, 2017). SFT theorist argue that their approach is culturally appropriate due to it highlighting the culture of the
5 client and not the counselor (Murdock, 2017). There was value found in SFT counseling with Hispanic and Latino clients (Murdock, 2017). In Ana’s case she is from a Hispanic background which SFT can be found affective due to it being an approach that makes a client feel talked to instead of talked at. Constructivist Philosophy Solution focused therapy is an approach that has been utilized by all types of people to address individual and family issues (Caddell, 2023). SFT utilizes a constructivist philosophy due to its focus on the client’s strengths and solutions which they might already possess (Caddell, 2023). SFT assumes that individuals can create solutions to improve their lives which include behavior changes. SFT incorporates the client strengths along with positive psychology principles to construct goal focused solutions. SFT shifts away from the traditional focus that emphasizes what is wrong with a client rather than taking a strengths-based approach Caddell, 2023). Post Modern/ Collaborative Approaches Regardless of the therapeutic approach that a therapist implements there is a possibility of unknown risk or consequences. The risks associated with SFT are minimal and when it runs into issues it is usually due to it not being effective with specific issues that clients may present (Grande, 2023). If there are long term mental health concerns or a diagnosis that require long term treatment this approach might not be ideal. Another criticism of SFT is that it places its focus on small measurable goals (Grande, 2023). SFT also does not necessarily consider a person’s history and how that plays into the presenting problem. At times it is believed that presenting problems that are more serious in nature can be overlooked (Grande, 2023). Lastly, SFT has been criticized for the lack of a therapeutic relationship which many therapists believe is important to implement long lasting change (Grande, 2023). It is important that therapist use a collaborative approach during their interaction with clients as well as a post-modern approach. A
6 therapist should practice active listening and be non-judgmental in their therapeutic approach. This should lead to a strong therapeutic alliance that can create a safe environment for the client. I believe a therapist utilizing SFT can establish great rapport and a safe environment however, it will need to be done in a concise manner. Conclusion Ana is a client who is depressed and anxious due to current factors in her life. Utilizing solution focused therapy can help Ana achieve her therapeutic goals. Having Ana use her current skills and making her aware of her strengths will go a long way in achieving her goals. This short-term approach provides a concise treatment process that caters to her cultural and financial needs. By implementing the therapy and its strategies Ana can eliminate her concerns and find ideal solutions quickly. References American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved on February 2, 2024 from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf Cadell, J. (2023). Constructivism in Psychology and Psychotherapy. Retrieved on February 6, 2024 from https://www.verywellmind.com/constructivism-and-psychotherapy-2337730 Good Therapy. Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Retrieved on February 6, 2024 from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/solution-focused-therapy Grande, D. (2023). Solutio-Focused Therapy: How It Works and What to Expect. Retrieved on February 6, 2024 from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/solution-focused-therapy/ Murdock, N. L. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy (4th ed.). Pearson Education. Psych Central (2022). What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy? Retrieved on February 6, 2024 from https://psychcentral.com/health/solution-focused-brief-therapy Psychology Today (2022). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Retrieved on February 2, 2024 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/solution-focused-brief-therapy
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