Couples in Family Psychology
Not what you're looking for?
Discuss the selected psychological theories in terms of explaining the psychological underpinnings of each theory.
Trace the evolution of each theory, relating briefly the phases, if any, each theory has undergone over time.
Critical analysis: Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses or benefits and liabilities of utilizing each of the selected therapeutic approaches through support of appropriate sources.
Identify how the scenario selected can be affected by divergent cultures factors.
Part 3 - Application of therapeutic approach: Propose an intervention plan to solving the hypothetical therapy scenario or crisis. Utilizing the selected therapeutic approach, develop a therapeutic intervention plan for the selected scenario.
What issues would you focus on?
What specifically would be the role of the therapist?
What stance would the therapist take with the couple?
What would be the specific goal of the couples therapy?
What assessment and treatment plan would you develop as the therapist, based on the selected therapeutic approach, to assist the couple in the selected scenario?
Conclusion: Summarize and draw conclusions from your discussion. Tie all aspects together and provide the reader with some final thought to consider.
This is the literature review on the case study I will attach
Fife et al. (2013), states that when briefly discussing the strengths and weaknesses of an
approach for treating couples who are struggling with an extramarital affair, the cognitive-
behavioral approach has many inherent strengths. In fact, it can help to foster the process of
healing for couples in therapy. It can also be used to restore trust as the couple works through
the process of forgiveness after infidelity. Mistrust seems to characterize the crisis and the
stages to rebuild consist of four unifying factors, as one source reiterates(Fife,S.R., et al., 2013).
Penn et so. (1997), pinpoint how ͞empathy, humility, commitment and apology͟ (343) are
critical stages. Regarding interventions, establishing boundaries is a major intervention to
rectify the loss of trust. Interventions to enhance both partners' sense of safety and security
can help to use communication as an intervention. The author states that It is also heralded as
quite beneficial in promoting both healing and attachment security after infidelity, as one
source recommends.
Atkins et al. (2005), states that As far as weaknesses, some authors claim that this approach
fails to take culture into account. Experts also criticize that this type can be focus too intently
on the transgressions and not validate both parties' needs as it might target the cheating more
predominantly instead of trying to uncover the root causes and ways to resolve.
For example, one source claims that lack of empirical evidence seems to cloud this model's
usage. The authors advise how little research supports its use with this type of therapeutic
problem.
References:
Atkins, D. )., Baucom, D. )., Eldridge, K. )., & Christensen, A. ). (2005). Infidelity and behavioral
couple therapy: Optimism in the face of betrayal. Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology,
73(1), 144-150.
Fife, S. T., Weeks, G. R., & Stellberg-Filbert, J. (2013). Facilitating forgiveness in the treatment of
infidelity: an interpersonal model. Journal Of Family Therapy, 35(4), 343-367.
Penn, C. D., Hernádez, S. L., & Bermúdez, J. M. (1997). USING A CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
TO UNDERSTAND INFIDELITY IN COUPLES THERAPY. American Journal Of Family Therapy, 25(2),
169-185.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
This solution discusses Family therapy approaches in the context of a specific case study.
Solution Preview
(1) Discuss the selected psychological theories in terms of explaining the psychological underpinnings of each theory. Trace the evolution of each theory, relating briefly the phases, if any, each theory has undergone over time.
Family System theories developed out of the disciplines of social and physical sciences after World War II (Archer & McCoy, 2007).The theoretical notion of the Family System approach originated with the concept of a "binding positon" based on the notion that what families did affected the children. The theory was focused on communication patterns, and was originally based on a non-psychological movement. It was later adopted in psychoanalytical models, and applied to Family therapy based on the strong affect (feeling) involved in family relationships (Archer & McCarthy, 2007).
Family therapy developed as a treatment model with the view of the entire family as a unit. The psychological underpinning underlying the family system theory is communication in counseling and therapy. The theory was influenced by patterns of social interaction among schizophrenic families, and later applied to family therapy. The approach is represented officially by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT, Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2005).
(2) Critical analysis: Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses or benefits and liabilities of utilizing each of the selected therapeutic approaches through support of appropriate sources.
The major strengths of the Family approach has been the emphasis on communication and relationship patterns that includes the system's subsystems (e.g., father, mother, children), although treated as a unit. According to Archer and McCarthy (2007), the Family system and its subsystems function in a complex way. Thus, one strength is that it takes special skills to work with the complex system, which has contributed to the emergence of new professions and professional organizations in the field. It also is significant in that the system can be used in an integrative approach with other interventions.
Research points to several weaknesses including the realization that there will be different socialization processes for men and women that may bring resistance from one partner. For example, the therapist may fail to recognize the different roles that exists in some families. According to Archer and McCarthy (2007), a major weakness in the Family System model occurs when family therapists treat all individual problems as a part of the family system. Finally, a weakness exist with the difficulty in defining the concept of the family with the changing structure of the contemporary family.
• Identify how the scenario selected can be affected by divergent cultures factors.
Individuals from culturally diverse background possess important differences that must be taken into considerations when counseling, and/or providing treatment. ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Role of Memory in Learning
This quiz addresses the role of memory in the learning process. The quiz differentiates between the different types of memory that facilitate learning.
Positive Psychology
A quiz related to the introductory concepts of positive psychology.
Sigmund Freud
How much do you know about Sigmund Freud's theories? Find out with this quiz!
Brain and behaviour
Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.
Concepts in Personality Psychology
This quiz will test student's understanding of concepts relating to personality psychology.