Unit 9: Comparative Psychotherapies - Discussion

Unit 9: Comparative Psychotherapies - Discussion

Discuss the most appropriate family therapy approach for a family facing a child's refusal to attend school, considering the dynamics described, and evaluate whether family therapy is preferable to other interventions like individual therapy for the child or parent training. Additionally, identify the most valid measure for assessing psychotherapy outcomes in this case, supporting your reasoning with relevant scholarly sources and proper APA citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The family scenario involving Inez, Joseph, and their son Leo presents a complex challenge that necessitates a nuanced therapeutic approach. The behaviors of Leo, who refuses to attend school, are not only disruptive but have also created increased hostility within the family, highlighting the importance of selecting an effective intervention strategy. Among various family therapy models, Structural Family Therapy (SFT) appears particularly suited to this context due to its emphasis on restructuring the family system to improve interactions and boundaries (Minuchin, 1974).

Structural Family Therapy focuses on analyzing and transforming the organization of the family, which aligns well with the described issues. Leo's refusal can be seen as a symptom of underlying familial boundaries or hierarchies that may have become blurred or rigid, contributing to escalating conflict and ineffective problem-solving (Nichols, 2013). SFT would work to realign family subsystems, enhance clear boundaries, and establish appropriate hierarchies, particularly emphasizing the parental authority of Joseph while incorporating Inez’s empathetic approach to deeper issues (Minuchin, 1974). This approach aims to reduce hostility and increase warmth within the home, fostering an environment conducive to positive behavioral changes in Leo.

Alternatively, solution-focused therapy could be beneficial in emphasizing goal-setting and strengths rather than delving deeply into underlying causes. However, considering the ongoing conflict and the complexity of family dynamics, Structural Family Therapy's systemic overhaul offers a more comprehensive solution. Bowenian Family Therapy, with its emphasis on differentiation and multigenerational influences, might be less immediately applicable since the core issue appears rooted in current family interactions rather than transgenerational patterns (Bowen, 1978).

Regarding the most suitable intervention for Leo, individual therapy might allow for direct assessment of Leo's emotional state, but it may overlook the systemic family dynamics contributing to his behavior. Parental training could help Inez and Joseph develop consistent responses, but without addressing the underlying relational patterns, it risks merely managing symptoms rather than resolving root causes. Therefore, family therapy, particularly Structural Family Therapy, offers a holistic approach, targeting the family system as a whole and fostering change in interactions that sustain Leo’s refusal behavior.

The most valid measure of psychotherapy outcome in this case should include both behavioral and relational assessments. Behavioral measures, such as increased school attendance, reflect immediate improvement in Leo’s conduct and compliance (Kazdin, 2017). Simultaneously, relational outcomes, including increased warmth and decreased hostility, can be evaluated through standardized family functioning scales like the Family Assessment Device (Epstein et al., 1983). Combining these measures provides a comprehensive evaluation of therapeutic success, capturing both behavioral change and improvements in family dynamics.

In conclusion, Structural Family Therapy appears most appropriate for addressing the systemic issues in this family. Family therapy holds advantages over individual therapy or parent training alone, as it intervenes on multiple levels of family interaction that influence the child's behavior. A combination of behavioral and relational measures offers a balanced assessment of therapeutic outcomes, ensuring that both symptoms and underlying family processes are adequately evaluated.

References

• Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. Jason Aronson.
• Epstein, N. B., Baldwin, L. M., & Bishop, D. S. (1983). The McMaster Model of Family Functioning. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 9(2), 171–180.
• Kazdin, A. E. (2017). Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions. Guilford Publications.
• Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapy. Harvard University Press.
• Nichols, M. P. (2013). Family therapy: Concepts and methods. Pearson.