Recording-2025-03-25T00:16:44.187Z

Family Therapy in the 21st Century

• Focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for this session.

• Reminder: Critique of a scholarly article due Friday, April 4.

Critique of Scholarly Article

• Select a peer-reviewed journal article (published within the last 5 years) focused on evidence-based interventions for at-risk populations.

• Key components to include in your critique:

  • What you learned from the article.

  • Questions and thoughts generated.

  • Confusing aspects of the article.

  • Relevance to social work and family practice.

  • Any flaws or pertinent issues.

• Follow the guidelines in the document "How to Critique a Journal Article".

• The critique should be written in narrative essay format, adhering to APA style.

• Include a cover page and references; body should be 2-4 pages (excluding cover and references).

Literature Review

• Use previously researched articles for your critique.

• Choose an article that you found interesting.

• Do not double work; build on previous assignments where applicable.

Challenges of Scholarly Articles

• Various journals may have different guidelines (e.g., method section length).

• It's okay to mention limitations in your critique if you cannot find certain requested information.

Upcoming Assignments

• Discussion board assignments—choose one topic from the two provided.

• Exams being moved around; exam schedule to be confirmed closer to the date.

Introduction to CBT

• CBT is an effective intervention, especially with trauma-informed approaches.

• Useful for individuals with:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder.

  • Conduct Disorders (e.g., Intermittent Explosive Disorder).

• Developed by figures like Wolpe and B.F. Skinner (operational conditioning).

CBT Basics

• Focuses on changing negative behaviors and perspectives.

• Use of positive reinforcement (e.g., rewards for good grades) and negative reinforcement (removing chores for good behavior).

• Important for therapists to recognize how behavior is reinforced, especially in family settings.

Core Concepts in CBT

• Therapists can identify family schemas (core beliefs) and how they affect behaviors.

• Emphasizes communication; misunderstandings can stem from cognitive distortions (mind-reading, overgeneralization, etc.).

• The ABC Model of CBT:

  • A: Activating Event

  • B: Beliefs

  • C: Consequences

• Useful for clients to journal and reflect on their thoughts and behaviors.

Assessment in Family Therapy

• Assess family strengths and weaknesses.

• Consider the family's developmental stages and past traumas.

• Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects are interconnected and should be assessed together.

Cognitive Distortions

• Common CBT distortions include:

  • Arbitrary Inference: Jumping to conclusions (e.g., spouse is cheating based on behavior).

  • Selective Abstraction: Focusing on specific details while ignoring broader context.

  • Overgeneralization: Drawing broad conclusions from one instance.

  • Magnification/Minimization: Exaggerating or downplaying issues.

  • Dichotomous Thinking: Viewing situations in black and white.

  • Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking.

• All distortions can lead to tension within families and should be addressed in therapy.

Therapeutic Goals

• Aim for families to utilize improved communication and coping skills.

• Measure progress through behavioral improvements and clients’ self-reported feelings.

• Techniques such as mindfulness can support CBT.

Closing Thoughts

• CBT is an effective tool for therapists and families.

• Future sessions will cover Feminist Family Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

• Engage with questions prior to examinations; utilize all resources available.