U9a1_Ashley_Haas_Theoretical Models and Interentions

docx

School

Capella University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5271

Subject

Sociology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by BrigadierStrawMonkey356

1 U9a1: Theoretical Models and Interventions Ashley Haas Capella University COUN5271 Marriage and Family Systems Dr. Alyssa Swan September 10, 2023

2 U9a1: Theoretical Models and Interventions You have learned about six family counseling models. Identify one of these six theoretical models you would use with this family and provide a brief overview of the model. Why was this model chosen? Working with the Reyes family and implementing solution-focused theory (SFT) will allow all family members to go into therapy with an unbiased opinion from the counselor. In postmodern models, the counselor takes on a “not knowing” viewpoint regarding family roles and dynamics (Goldenberg et al., 2016). Solution Focused Theory can also be called Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT). SFBT strays away from traditional models and concentrates on the “why” or “how did we get here.” This also strays away from finger-pointing and blame; SFBT wants to find a solution to the conflict rather than trying to find the source of the conflict. Felipe and Sam have already expressed their disdain for one another. So, there is no reason to dig deeper into that, for the Reyes family trying to find a solution to their issues within the family unit for their blended family to be harmonious. Choi (2020) identifies that in families that seek counseling and the SFBT model is used; the counselor must first reiterate to the family that they are there to focus on the “here and now”. Additionally, during the first few sessions, finding each family member's strengths and bringing them to the family unit is imperative. During SFBT, collaborating with the family members allows the counselor to help the family realize what functionalities work best within their family unit. Furthermore, it enables the family to imagine the future, primarily when utilizing resources (Choi, 2020). Felipe and Emily have already clarified that they love each other and want to make it work. So, staying together is a goal for the adults in the family; however, Sam, Emily’s fifteen- year-old son from a previous marriage, despises Felipe. Felipe has openly admitted to not genuinely caring for Sam either; Felipe believes Sam disrespects him or Emily. Felipe has

3 expressed his desire for a structure in the home; Cass, Emily’s' daughter from her previous marriage, really wants the same things. She and Felipe may not have a bond, but they both see Sam as the same for the most part and needing structure. Emily, however, enables Sam’s behavior, which infuriates Felipe. How does your chosen theory inform how you view the family and their issues? Counselors who take on the postmodernist view Anderson (2012), as cited in Goldenberg et al., (2016), that those counseling using the SFBT are not directing the family with preconceived notions but assisting them through the unknown. Additionally, SFBT leads to solution talk or conversations that deter the need for the family to have conversations about problems (Choi, 2021). Furthermore, although SFBT builds solutions, one must acknowledge the issue at some point to work toward the solutions. With the Reyes family, they must find a solution to the problems at hand; however, dwelling on the past will exacerbate the issues. Sam and Felipe seem to have the biggest problem in the Reyes Family dynamic. How does this theory view the stance of the counselor with this family? The solution-focused theory views the counselor's stance as more of a mediator. Solution- focused counseling acknowledges that the client (family) is the expert once each family member expresses their goal or what they see in the future. This approach is more collaborative and client-centered. It is the position of the counselor to determine the strengths and available resources within the family unit. It is also essential for the counselor to remain neutral and remember that they are the host and a guest in the family’s conversation, as Anderson (2009) articulates, as cited in Goldenberg et al., (2016).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 Furthermore, SFT/SFBT also encourages each member of the Reyes family to take responsibility for the changes they have presented to the other family members. Additionally, each member should hold each other accountable for the solutions they have presented to the family unit. Although each member of the Reyes family should be held responsible, it should be noted that each member should also be flexible. Not everyone in the family is an adult; even adults must be given grace. How does this theory view what change would look like with this family? Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) or Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is helping the Reyes family change when their behavior has changed. Additionally, this is not something that would or should be visible within a few sessions. However, the family members must remain positive and respect one another’s feelings. They would need to understand that change does not happen overnight. Furthermore, each member would have their changes within themselves. For example, Felipe would need to work on his anger and how it is directed towards the family. Sam would need to respect his elders and change his attitude toward Felipe. Emily would need to be in unison with Felipe and the way he wants the home to be structured. They would need to come to a compromise. Cass is not problematic; however, she may not want to do what Sam has been instructed to do to avoid conflict. Sam will need to take responsibility for his actions. What interventions from this theory might you use with this family, and why? Several interventions can be utilized while implementing the solutions-focused therapy with the Reyes family. The first intervention is to use the “miracle question” (Goldenberg et al., 2016). In the Reyes family, Sam would be the only one who may not have the same goals as the

5 others in the family, at least similar. Additionally, goal setting with the family, especially with Felipe and Sam, would be ideal, considering they seem to be the ones who have the “biggest” interpersonal issues. Since Felipe and Sam have difficulties communicating with one another, externalizing their problems would be ideal to ensure optimal growth. Other interventions that perhaps would be useful in the Reyes family unit would be implementing homework assignments. These assignments would align with the goals and the pictured future the family sets for themselves. Furthermore, these victories must be celebrated when someone in the family has accomplished or completed an assignment or achieved a goal. Doing so is positive reinforcement and encourages optimal growth. Demonstrate how you would apply techniques from your chosen theory in working with the Reyes family: write a short script of a hypothetical counseling session with about 10 client and 10 counselor statements. Counselor: Sam, in a perfect world and no issues were present, what would that look like for you? Sam: It would be just Mom, me, and Cass. Things would be like they were before. Counselor: Before what, Sam? Sam: Before Mom and Felipe got married, everything was better. Felipe gets angry, and it can be scary. Cass: That’s true. Sometimes, it can be scary, but I understand why you get upset. Mom, you let Sam do whatever he wants, and he purposefully is a jerk to you and Felipe. Sam: Cass!!!! That’s not true. I don’t like him.

6 Cass: Well, it does not matter what you like. He loves Mom and takes care of her. We need to all get along. It’s stressful when you and Felipe are constantly at each other’s throats. Emily: Cass is right, guys. Plus, I’m always in the middle, and you constantly make me choose between you two. Maybe if you two spend a little time together…. Felipe: Emily, that is not my intention. I want this family to work, but hearing you being disrespected and Sam doing what he wants is frustrating. Counselor: You all want to find a way to make things work. Is that accurate: Reyes Family: Yes… Counselor: Sam? Sam: If Mom and Cass want that, I guess. Counselor: Emily, you offered a solution and perhaps did not realize it. You suggested that Felipe and Sam spend some time together. Emily: ***nods in agreeance*** Counselor: Sam, what do you enjoy? Sam: I like to play video games. Counselor: How can you and Felipe incorporate quality time and video games? Felipe: Oh, that new vintage arcade opened not too long ago downtown. You know, the old-school Pac-man machine and Mortal Kombat. They have other things to play to; that’s just what I played as a kid. Sam: You played arcade games? I don’t believe it. You always tell me I must grow up; I never thought that…

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 Felipe: Sam, yes, I played as a kid, like your age. But I also had to finish my chores and schoolwork first. I was able to indulge once I completed my obligations. Sam: That makes sense. Felipe: Emily, I would love to take Sam; that would be bonding time. Talk man to man. But honestly, I do not feel comfortable doing so until his chores and homework are done. If so, I can take him on Sunday, guys' day. Emily: That seems fair, Sam? Sam: It is. Cass: jeezzzzz…. Finally. Counselor: Amazing…you see what you all did? You all found a strength in Sam, which is video games. Felipe, you once shared the same passion. Everyone here has the same future in mind: having a peaceful, cohesive family unit. No one had to compromise anything, which is not always the case. Now, Emily, are you willing to back up Felipe if the chores and homework are not done? Sam: It will be. Counselor: I love the enthusiasm, Sam. However, everyone needs to understand there is give and take in relationships, not just take, and not just give. What I’m asking for is that you all commit to each other. See, what you all did was find a solution, instead of constantly focusing on who did what. This is how we will focus on issues within the family unit. We will not harp on the past but acknowledge the problem at hand, speak on how we feel, and then the solution needs to be presented. Can you all commit to that? Reyes Family: ***look at each other, nod at each other*** in unison, they say, “Yes, we can do that.”

8 From the view of this theory, what would be happening differently in this family after a successful therapeutic process? After several sessions of family therapy, implementing SFT/SFBT, the Reyes family should be able to identify a problem and not dwell on the issues, nor should they blame one another. After successful sessions, Felipe should be able to catch himself when he becomes angry and work those emotions without ostracizing other family members. Sam should be able to take direction from both Emily and Felipe without having outbursts. Also, Cass should be less on edge and not cover for her brother if issues are going on between others in the family. Furthermore, Emily should be more supportive of Felipe's parenting and find a compromise. The Reyes family cannot function healthily if everyone is at odds. Once all family members begin to make the changes within themselves and communicate effectively, they should start to see they have a common goal and are working cohesively within their family unit. This should also inspire ways to continue progress, and in the event that there is regression, the Reyes Family is able to move forward with the tools they have equipped from SFT/SFBT to focus on the solutions, instead of the problems. Conclusion Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a practical approach to family therapy. Often people hold on to the past and allow it to dictate their future. It is important to validate each family member's feelings when working with families, but it is just as essential to guide them to solutions—utilizing interventions such as the “miracle question,” goal setting, and implementing the

9 homework. SFT/SFBT allows the counselor to mediate between the family members without bias. The counselor remains neutral and assists with directing family members to reach a common goal while focusing on strengths.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

10 References Choi, J. (2020). A case study of solution-focused brief family therapy. The American Journal of Family Therapy , 48 (2), 195–210. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2019.1691083 Choi, J. (2021). The role of the solution-focused brief therapist in client-led problem talks. The American Journal of Family Therapy , 49 (4), 356–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2020.1816514 Goldenberg, I., Stanton, M., & Goldenberg, H. (2016). Family therapy: An overview (009th ed.). Cengage Learning. https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9781337668316 Hsu, K.-S., Eads, R., Lee, M., & Wen, Z. (2021). Solution-focused brief therapy for behavior problems in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis of treatment effectiveness and family involvement. Children and Youth Services Review , 120 , 105620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105620 Walker, C. R., Froerer, A. S., & Gourlay‐Fernandez, N. (2021). The value of using emotions in solution focused brief therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy , 48 (3), 812–826. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12551

U9a1_Ashley_Haas_Theoretical Models and Interentions

Related Documents