Respond To Jennifer's Post By Providing Feedback ✓ Solved

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Respond to Jennifer's post by providing feedback based on a

Respond to Jennifer's post by providing feedback based on a narrative family therapeutic perspective. Support your feedback with evidence-based literature and/or your own experiences with clients. Jennifer's post discusses a family of three that is African American and has been divorced for two years. They have a 17-year-old daughter who has been in treatment for three months for PTSD stemming from the divorce. She lives four days with her dad and three days with her mom. Her therapy is not progressing, so the therapist considered trying family therapy. It seems the dad has a drinking problem, having drunk excessively to the point of falling and passing out while his daughter is with him. The mom has been speaking negatively about her ex-husband when the daughter is with her. The therapist employs a strategic approach, utilizing framing and paradoxing and setting rules. The mom feels that all the blame is being placed on her, so the therapist needs thoughts on how to proceed—whether to continue with a strategic approach or try something different.

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In responding to Jennifer's post, a narrative family therapeutic perspective can provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics at play in this family system. Narrative therapy emphasizes the importance of the stories that individuals tell about their lives and their relationships, and it can empower family members to reconstruct their narratives in a way that fosters healing and understanding.

The family's situation is marked by significant stressors, notably the mother's negative commentary about the father and the father's struggle with alcohol use. These dynamics likely contribute to the daughter's feelings of trauma and her PTSD symptoms. According to Freedman (2014), narrative therapy focuses on separating the person from the problem, allowing family members to view issues as external to themselves. This can be particularly beneficial in this scenario, where the daughter's perception of her parents is heavily influenced by their conflict and individual struggles.

Utilizing narrative therapy could encourage the family to explore their unique stories and the roles each member plays in the family narrative. By facilitating conversations that allow the daughter to express her feelings about her experiences with both parents, the therapist can help to validate her emotions and foster a sense of agency. Phipps and Vorster (2011) highlight the significance of understanding one's narrative within the broader context of family dynamics. This understanding can create a platform for the parents to re-evaluate their behaviors and how these impact their daughter.

Furthermore, the strategic approach of framing and paradoxing may need to be adjusted based on the family's response to therapy. If the mother feels that she is being unfairly blamed, establishing a collaborative environment where all voices are heard could be essential. Escudero et al. (2012) point out the importance of alliance rupture and repair, indicating that therapeutic strategies must be flexible and responsive to the emotional state of the clients.

In family therapy, setting rules can be beneficial; however, it must be done in a way that does not feel punitive. The therapist should strive to create safe spaces for dialogue, where feelings of blame can be addressed openly. This could involve engaging both parents in discussions about the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue concerning one another and modeling healthy communication behaviors for their daughter. Saltzman et al. (2013) emphasize that family narratives can be transformed through shared storytelling, where empathy and understanding can thrive. By recounting positive experiences and mutual support, the family can begin to reconstruct a healthier narrative.

Additionally, the therapist might consider involving the daughter more actively in the therapeutic process. As she is on the cusp of adulthood, her insights and feelings about the situation will be crucial. Encouraging her to articulate her wish for a healthier relationship with both parents can empower her and help the family navigate their conflicting narratives. The use of genograms, as introduced by Wheeler (2014), can also help visualize the family dynamics and facilitate discussions regarding generational patterns and behaviors.

It may also be beneficial to examine the father's drinking problem within a narrative framework. Addressing his alcohol use as a separate issue rather than a defining characteristic can mitigate blame. This aligns with the ideas of Nichols (2014), who advocates for understanding the role of substance use as part of a larger narrative rather than as the sole issue. The father could step into a new role by seeking support for his addiction, thus altering the family's narrative about him and paving the way for recovery and reconciliation.

Continuous evaluation of the therapeutic approach is vital. If the strategic approach does not resonate, integrating elements from other frameworks such as emotionally focused therapy may provide new pathways for the parents to reconnect and for the daughter to feel more secure. The nuances of their relationships may require a more integrative approach, emphasizing attachment styles and emotional responses, as highlighted by the literature on family therapy.

In conclusion, the family's narrative is fraught with challenges; however, by employing a narrative therapy framework, the therapist can facilitate a re-examination of their stories. Engaging each family member in the therapy process, focusing on strengths and shared experiences, and fostering open communication will be pivotal in addressing the underlying issues they face. The ultimate goal should be to empower the daughter, support constructive dialogue between the parents, and foster a healthier family dynamic moving forward.

References

  • American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
  • Cohn, A. S. (2014). Romeo and Julius: A narrative therapy intervention for sexual-minority couples. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 25(1), 73–77. doi:10.1080/.2014.881696
  • Escudero, V., Boogmans, E., Loots, G., & Friedlander, M. L. (2012). Alliance rupture and repair in conjoint family therapy: An exploratory study. Psychotherapy, 49(1), 26–37. doi:10.1037/a
  • Freedman, J. (2014). Witnessing and positioning: Structuring narrative therapy with families and couples. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 35(1), 20–30. doi:10.1002/anzf.1043
  • Nichols, M. (2014). The essentials of family therapy (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
  • Phipps, W. D., & Vorster, C. (2011). Narrative therapy: A return to the intrapsychic perspective. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 22(2), 128–147. doi:10.1080/.2011.578036
  • Saltzman, W. R., Pynoos, R. S., Lester, P., Layne, C. M., & Beardslee, W. R. (2013). Enhancing family resilience through family narrative co-construction. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 16(3), 294–310. doi:10.1007/s
  • Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer.

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