3/3 class

Weekly Assignments Overview

  • Reflection Assignment: Due on Friday for Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT).

    • Students encouraged to discuss comfort level with assignments.

  • Family of Origin Assignment:

    • Part A: Genogram due on Sunday.
    • Students are informed of generous deadline extensions compared to other classes.

Next Week's Focus

  • Upcoming Theory: Introduction of the Satir Model.

    • Required reading from specified chapter and watching of assigned video before class.
    • Additional resources will be provided.

  • Continued Reflection: Due next Friday, the 13th.

Presentation Schedule

  • Ethics Presentation:
    • Chloe and Olivia scheduled for next Tuesday.

Important Dates and Class Structure

  • No Classes:

    • March 17th and March 24th for Spring Break.
    • Teaching session to be recorded and uploaded on Canvas during absence from March 11th to March 18th.
    • Contact Amy for urgent inquiries during this period.

  • Assessment Extension:

    • Assessment originally due March 17th changed to March 20th.

Assignment Support and Preparation

  • Ethnic Piece: Read chapter discussed in preparation for upcoming assignments.
    • Students encouraged to review materials prior to next class for questions.

Class Discussion: Ethical Considerations in Therapy

  • **Multiple Relationships Concept: **

    • Definition: A situation where the therapist has more than one role with a client or someone connected to a client.
    • Examples given include knowing someone outside of a therapy context while in session.

  • Implications of Previous Relationships:

    • Prior relationships can compromise neutrality, creating perceptions of bias and loyalty conflicts.
    • Power dynamics are observed as relational, affecting entire therapy systems rather than individual clients.

  • Challenges in Systemic Work:

    • Importance of recognizing differences in therapy dynamics between individual therapy and family therapy.

Ethical Codes and Documentation

  • AAMFT Code 1.3:

    • Therapists must avoid multiple relationships that could compromise professional judgments.
    • Importance of documenting potential ethical risks and strategies to mitigate exploitation.

  • Additional Codes: 1.2 and 1.9:

    • 1.2: Informed consent must outline these relationships.
    • 1.9: Referrals are required if impairment exists.

Discussion on Personal Experiences

  • Students discuss examples of personal relationships with clients and implications for therapeutic practice.
  • Presenting questions regarding ethical practices in real-life situations such as engaging with clients socially.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Process

  • CBFT vs. CBT Overview:

    • Key distinction: CBFT emphasizes understanding systemic dynamics instead of focusing solely on individual thought patterns.
    • Discusses the interaction between emotional responses and perceptions, stemming from family beliefs and dynamics.

  • Thought-Feeling-Behavior Cycle:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Cycle: Distorted thoughts can trigger negative emotions leading to dysfunctional behaviors.

Core Concepts in Therapy

  • Family Belief Systems:
    • Emphasis on schemas influencing relational dynamics, feelings, and interactions.
    • Understanding that beliefs about self-identity and others are shaped by early life experiences.

Tools and Techniques in Therapy

  • Intervention Strategies:

    • Use of scaling and laddering techniques for exploring deep-seated beliefs.
    • Understanding the significance of individual coping styles in the context of family dynamics.
    • Journaling and emotional charting to identify interpersonal issues.

  • Assertive Communication Skills:

    • Importance of teaching effective communication skills in therapy, with a focus on I-Statements and non-blaming language.
    • Documentation and psychoeducation should form a part of the assessment and intervention process.

Case Study Overview: Martinez Family

  • Presenting Problem: School refusal and anxiety from 15-year-old Mateo; family dynamics causing distress.

  • Family Interaction Patterns Identified:

    • Support, accommodation, and criticism as strategies creating further conflict in maintaining family function.

  • Core Beliefs and Emotions:

    • Addressed assumptions held by Mateo and his parents that influence the family's dynamic.
    • Parents struggling with communication and different parenting styles that hinder resolution.
    • Each family member's perception shapes the overall response dynamic.

Conclusion and Future Sessions

  • Breakdown of Emotional Patterns:
    • Need to identify and articulate emotional triggers in therapy.
  • Commitment to Developing Treatment Plans:
    • Continuous evaluation of interpersonal relationships, communication, and coping strategies to mitigate distress and improve therapeutic outcomes.