comparision of family therapy approaches

1. Comparision of Family Therapy Approaches Part I: Psychodynamic, Bowenian, & Experiential Approaches

3. True to psychodynamic Still based on the unconscious and individual growth Defense mechanisms Focuses on the origins of dysfunction in childhood

4. Object Relations from psychodynamic Object Relations theory (Kohut) objects-mental images of our self and others attachment- internalize acceptance vs continued pursuit of acceptance �old expectations distort current relationships�

5. Definition of the problem according to psychodynamic theory Splitting (p232) Members are enmeshed

6. Change according to Psychodynamic theory Transference Confrontation *Strengths?

7. Goal/Healthy Achieve differentiation Interact with each other based on current and real rather than past relationships (objects)

8. Role of the psychodynamic therapist Good enough mother

9. +/- of psychodynamic approach Takes a long time/money Focuses on the past Not research based More linear than other family therapy approaches

10. Bowenian Approach Founded by Murray Bowen Some similarities to psychodynamic- based on relationships in childhood anxiety focused

11. Definition of the problem according to Bowen: Dysfunctional patterns of interacting are passed down from one generation to the next, these patterns are then repeated in other interpersonal relationships. overinvolved cut off

12. Key features in Bowenian therapy Differentiation Multigenerational transmission Triangles Sibling position

13. Goal of therapy: Achieve differentiation De-triangulation

14. How change occurs according to Bowen Genogram Going home

15. Role of therapist Must be differentiated-�go home� Objective and neutral

16. +/- of Bowenian Focuses on spouses or individuals Focuses on past (insight-orientated) Complex Takes a lot of time/$ Based on strong theory

17. Experiential Approach Influenced by the humanist school of psychology Satir-communications theory Whitaker-�free-wheeling�, therapy was based on his personality �give up theory and be yourself� both were �outsiders�, worked with schizophrenic patients, and had charisma

18. Definition of the problem according to Experiential theory Family members are not aware of their true emotions or they suppress them. This �emotional deadness� results in the problem expressed as a symptom Individual members are not able to pursue self-actualization/growth Family members avoid feelings and cling to routine

19. Change according to Experiential theory Emotional experiencing-stimulate anxiety and emotion Acknowledge and appreciate uniqueness of each individual Identify ritualized roles-critical wife, ineffectual husband (p.285) Therapist battles for structure, the family becomes responsible for change

20. Goal/Health according to Experiential self-awareness Expression of true emotions-congruence between inner emotions and outward behavior self-worth

21. Experiential Techniques Structured (Satir)- sculpting, role play, teaching communication skills, family reconstruction, family drawings Unstructured (Whitaker)-absurdity, humor Identify family roles-blamer, placater, irrelevant, super reasonable

22. Role of therapist Facilitator, director Real, authentic-be aware and express own feelings in the moment Give hope Communicate empathy Involved, energetic

23. +/- of Experiential Involves entire family Risky for inexperienced therapists because emotions are raised Focus on the present Technique strong, theory weak Based on therapist�s style & personality Focuses on individual growth of members