This Assignment Will Be Submitted To Turnitin™. Instr 953290
This assignment will be submitted to Turnitin™. Instructions
This week, you will have the opportunity to meet with your professor via Zoom or Skype. Prepare a response to the following items: a scenario related to change, discussions about the change process, theories in systemic family therapy, and how theory influences therapeutic practice. Additionally, include questions about the syllabus or course assignments. Schedule your meeting with your professor via email. If unable to meet synchronously, you may submit a 1-2 page Word document or a 5-6 minute video recording. Use scholarly resources, integrate APA standards, and adhere to academic integrity policies.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The process of change is a fundamental component in therapy and personal development, particularly within the context of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Understanding how change occurs, its permanence, and the theoretical frameworks that support it provides a vital foundation for therapists. This paper explores the change process through a personal scenario, examines systemic views on change, contrasts modernist and postmodernist theories in MFT, discusses the role of theory in the change process, and considers how these insights influence therapeutic practice.
Personal Scenario and Recognition of the Need for Change
Reflecting on a personal context, I recall a situation where a close friend was experiencing significant relationship conflicts. Initially, they were unaware of the underlying issues, but as conflicts persisted, they recognized the need for change. The turning point occurred when they acknowledged patterns of communication that contributed to misunderstandings and emotional withdrawal. This recognition was key to initiating change, aligning with the idea that awareness is a prerequisite for transformation (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983).
The Change Process: How and Why Change Occurs
Change typically begins with an awareness of problem areas, followed by a deliberate effort to alter behaviors or perceptions. The change my friend experienced involved engaging in couples therapy, which provided new perspectives and healthier communication strategies. This process often includes stages such as contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance (Prochaska et al., 1998). The change was initially temporary but became more enduring as new patterns were reinforced through ongoing effort and support, illustrating the importance of reinforcing change to support its permanence (Lewin, 1947).
Perception of Change and Its Permanence
In general, people change through various mechanisms—including cognitive restructuring, behavioral modification, and emotional healing—often facilitated by environmental and relational influences (White & Epstein, 2002). Some changes are temporary, especially if underlying issues are unaddressed, while others become permanent through sustained effort and internalization of new patterns (Altman & Taylor, 1973). From a systemic perspective, change is viewed as an ongoing process influenced by multiple environmental factors, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual and relational patterns.
Systemic Lens and the Change Process
A systemic lens emphasizes the interdependence of individuals and their relational systems. From this viewpoint, change in one part of the system triggers adjustments elsewhere, leading to a new equilibrium (Minuchin, 1974). The systemic approach sees problems as arising from patterns within the family system, and change occurs when these patterns are altered through therapeutic intervention. Recognizing this interconnectedness clarifies why change often extends beyond individual efforts to encompass relational dynamics.
Modernist vs. Postmodernist Theories of MFT
Modernist theories of MFT, rooted in the medical model, often focus on diagnosing and correcting dysfunctional patterns within individuals or systems, emphasizing objectivity and universality (Nichols & Schwartz, 2004). In contrast, postmodernist theories prioritize subjective experience, social constructivism, and the idea that realities are socially constructed (Andersen & Goolishian, 1992). Postmodern approaches, such as solution-focused therapy, encourage clients to view problems as contextual and mutable, promoting strength-based and collaborative interventions.
The Role of Theory in the Change Process
Theories guide therapists' understanding of change, informing assessment, intervention, and the therapeutic alliance. For example, systemic theories underscore the importance of family interactions, while cognitive-behavioral theories emphasize thought patterns. Different theories also influence the therapist’s interventions, goals, and evaluation methods (Norcross & Wampold, 2011). As a future therapist, understanding multiple theoretical orientations allows for flexible, client-centered approaches that are responsive to individual and systemic needs.
Impact of Theory on Therapeutic Practice
Theoretical orientation shapes how therapists conceptualize problems and design interventions. For instance, systemic theory would involve examining family interactions, whereas narrative therapy might focus on the stories clients tell about their lives (White & Epston, 1990). Theories also influence the therapeutic stance, ethical considerations, and assessment procedures. Incorporating theory into practice fosters consistency, efficacy, and adaptability in treatment.
Treatment Planning and the Role of Theory
Effective treatment planning begins with a thorough assessment grounded in relevant theory. The selected theoretical framework guides goal setting, intervention strategies, and evaluation criteria (Corey, 2017). For example, a systemic therapist may focus on altering communication patterns within a family, whereas a cognitive-behavioral therapist would target maladaptive thoughts. Theory provides a coherent blueprint for guiding clients toward change and measuring progress, ensuring that interventions are purposeful and aligned with underlying conceptual models.
Conclusion
Understanding the change process from both personal and theoretical perspectives enriches a therapist’s capacity to facilitate meaningful and lasting change. Recognizing the systemic nature of change, the influence of different theoretical paradigms, and the importance of adapting interventions accordingly helps in fostering effective therapeutic outcomes. As future practitioners, appreciating how theory informs and shapes the change process will be essential in delivering effective, compassionate, and evidence-based therapy.
References
- Alpert, G., & Orozco, R. (2014). Family therapy: Perspectives, processes, and practice. Routledge.
- Altman, I., & Taylor, D. A. (1973). Social penetration: The development of interpersonal relationships. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
- Andersen, T., & Goolishian, H. (1992). Human systems as language systems. Family Process, 31(3), 235-246.
- Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning.
- Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in group dynamics: Concept, method and reality in social science; social equilibria and change. Human Relations, 1(1), 5-41.
- Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapy. Harvard University Press.
- Nichols, M. P., & Schwartz, R. C. (2004). Family therapy: Concepts and methods. Pearson.
- Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2011). Evidence-based therapy relationships: Research conclusions and clinical practices. The Counseling Psychologist, 39(2), 255-263.
- Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395.
- White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. W.W. Norton & Company.