Charles Family Therapy Model

For this assignment, two different theoretical approaches will be discussed, Bowenian family therapy and structural family therapy, and they will be used individually to construct a treatment plan to help clients reach their goals. Within each treatment plan discussed, short-term and long-term goals of therapy will be established and the family’s presenting problems will be defined. Two techniques that will be assigned to help them reach their therapeutic goals and any expected outcome from using those techniques will be discussed.

Family is something that plays a tremendous role in our life. Even though the structure of families has changed over the years, it is important to acknowledge that there many families out there whether they are traditional families, nuclear family, stepfamilies or others which tend to have different types of problems in their families. Therefore, many families attempt to go to family therapy in order for them to obtain help in solving the different types of issues they might have at home. As stated in the book Family Therapy by Michael P. Nichols (2013), “The power of family therapy derives from bringing parents and children together to transform their interaction… What keeps people stuck in their inability to see their own participation in the problems that plague them. With eyes fixed firmly on what recalcitrant others are doing, it’s hard for most people to see the patterns that bind them together. The family therapist’s job is to give them a wake-up call” (2013).

A few of the techniques explains to the client which technique words and what doesn’t in a family setting. In the beginning, it’s more about bringing out concerns more than something that may or may not be taking place in the household. Solution-Focused Therapy also focuses on goals and helpful strategies. The true purpose for this type of therapy is focusing on family strengths. One example of the solution-focused therapy is the formula first session task. This task is an example of showing the family what helps. Also, the counselor is constantly asking questions and doing observations to see how well things go when the family leaves therapy. Another example is the exception question. This is usually the counselor looking at the family and

When viewing this family in a Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) lens, we would focus on the solutions rather than the problem. Although the initial assessment would be similar to that of structural and strategic therapy, all of these issues would be explore, we would focus on the solutions rather than the problem. Although the initial assessment would be similar to that of structural and strategic therapy, all of these issues would be explored in a way that allowed for less “problem talk” and more solution based ideas.

According to a study by the Migration Policy Institute, approximately 41.3 million immigrants were living in the United States in 2013, an all-time high for a nation historically built on immigration. Immigrants accounted for 13 percent of the total 316 million U.S. residents and adding the U.S.-born children of immigrants means that approximately 80 million people, or one-quarter of the overall U.S. population, is either of the first or second generation (Zong, Batalova).

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy employed to assist members of a family in improving communication systems, conflict resolution, and to help the family to deal with certain problems that manifest in the behavior of members. In most cases, deviance in a family member is an indication of underlying family dysfunctions. This paper looks the counselling procedure that can be applied to help the Kline family solve their problems. It answers certain questions including those of the expected challenges during therapy and ways of dealing with the challenges.

Mr. Charles reported that he considers his mother to be a support system. Mr. Charles stated that she lives in Tampa, Georgia. Mr. Charles reported that his mother is against consuming marijuana. Mr. Charles stated that his mother does not consuming alcohol or marijuana. Mr. Charles stated that his friends and co-workers use drugs and alcohol. Mr. Charles stated that he is around drugs and alcohol when he is working as a DJ at times. Mr. Charles appears to understand the concept of the treatment program and seems ready and willing to start recovery relating to his mental and physical health, learning to live without substance use/abuse.

Family therapy is a technique that has many alternative approaches to every aspect of treatment which Nichols (2014), states may present a challenge when describing a basic technique. The two models of family therapy in which I feel that I would be most effective and comfortable with would be, experiential family therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. I feel most comfortable with these models because, I adapt to the role of the therapist of both therapies naturally. According to Nichols (2014), when families seek therapy they are stuck in a life-cycle transition, sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they are not obvious. I’ve found that during the first session an excellent question is to ask the client why now so that they can

Although this family has suffered trauma, they have some strengths to draw upon that can benefit them in their therapeutic process. Both Raul and Nora grew up poor. However, they have both managed to go on and secure reputable careers. Raul as a Master Builder and Nora, as a Physical Therapist. This is evidence that they possess the skills that are needed to overcome adversity and negative cultural expectations. Solution-Focused Therapy would come into play so that the practitioner would engage in conversation to ask questions to help Raul and Nora realize their strength. “The practitioner 's role in the solution-focused process is continually to invite clients to explore and define two matters: (1) what it is they want different in their lives (goals) and (2) what strengths and resources they can bring to bear on making these desired differences a reality. The practitioner affirms and amplifies client definitions of goals, past successes, strengths, and resources as they emerge through conversation. Consequently, these conversations focus more on building solutions than on solving problems.” (Berg and DeJong, 1996).

Family: Youth and Mrs. Edman are not getting along. Mrs. Edman stated that during youth’s clinical sessions, youth reported that she hates Mrs. Edman. Youth informed CM that she said she hates her mother sometimes. CM explained to youth the importance of Mrs. Edman and how she should not say the word “hate” to her mother or anyone.

The Williams are an African American family. Audrey is a 45 year old female who is currently a housewife. She has a bachelor degree in English. Ronald is 47 and works with the mayor as a member of his campaign team. Ronald and Audrey have been married for 15 years. The couple has been experiencing problem because Ronald has been working a great deal lately. Ronald and Audrey have one son Michael. Michael is a 21 year old male. He attended college for one year but dropped out because he wanted to travel. The Williams are wealthy which is evident by their neighborhood and residence. According to Audrey, the family used to go on trips, vacations, and spent quality time together. The family reported no history of abuse, violence,

Family systems therapy is one of the newer counseling techniques that are not used as much as many of the other counseling theories. Studies showing the efficacy of treatment are limited; however, those that have been conducted show promise. According to a study on problematic behavior in Research on Integrative Family and Systems Treatment, there was a significant decrease in the problems in the child after family treatment was incorporated (Frasier, Grove, Lee, Green, & Solovey, 2014) and secondary studies have shown a decrease in anxious symptoms after modeling behavior in the home was incorporated (Fisak & Grills-Taquechel, 2007).

A main key concept of NT is that the problem a client presents with is viewed separate from the client. The problem is not the person; it is something the person has. Therefore, the goal of NT is to change the effects resulting from the problem and not the person themselves. To do this, NT uses the technique of externalizing the problem. To externalize the problem, the problem is first given a name and then it is explored and applied to the clients believes, values, behaviors, and ideals that has formed the clients identity. The negative aspects of these areas get rewritten into the new story. The process of externalizing the problem allows the client to see their problem separate from themselves so they can better

The first long-term goal is to improve communication skills among each family member. The interventions created to achieve this goal includes: 1) Rosalyn and Carl will complete weekly worksheets and homework assignments provided by their family therapist, 2) Each family member will learn and practice using I-statements to decreasing blaming behavior and increase self awareness, and 3) Each family member will write a letter to address one another and identify how their feelings in regards to the problems identified in therapy along with their ideas of how they can be a part of the solution to decrease the anxiety in the family.

This paper uses the application, concepts and techniques from The Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and The Satir Model under Family Therapy in working with the case study of George.