Discussion: Theory Integration

For narrative-collaborative and solution-focused therapies, primacy is given to clients’ own meaning-making of their family stories. In other words, change comes not from altering dysfunctional patterns of relating, but re-authoring the ways couples and families make meaning of their relationships. Consider the impact of such techniques if your theoretical orientation is more action-oriented in focus. Conversely, imagine the potential difficulty if narrative-collaborative is your chosen theory, but clients are less inclined to talk about their problems and participate in this type of storytelling.

For this Discussion, select one of the theories demonstrated in the media this week (either narrative-collaborative or solution-focused). Consider challenges you might encounter if you attempted to integrate the theory you selected with your lens for couples counseling, including, but not limited to, agency or private practice demands, ethical responsibilities, or theory incompatibility.

By Day 4

Post a brief explanation of one challenge you may encounter if you attempted to integrate the theory you selected with your main theoretical orientation in your future professional practice. Then, explain how you might mitigate this challenge.

Required Readings

Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., Snyder, D. K. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 10, “Narrative Couple Therapy”
Chapter 11, “Solution Focused Couple Therapy”
Chapter 12, “Brief Strategic Couple Therapy”
Chapter 13, “Structural Couple Therapy”
Davarniya, Reza, Zahrakar, K, & Nazari, A. (2018). The effectiveness of brief solution-focused couple therapy (BSFCT) on reducing couple burnout. Journal of Research & Health, 8(2), 123-131.
Gutierrez, D., Carlson, R. G., Daire, A. P., & Young, M. E. (2017). Evaluating treatment outcomes using the integrative model of brief couples counseling: A pilot study. Family Journal, 25(1), 5-12.
Document: Treatment Plan Template (Word document)

Required Media

Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994a). I’d hear laughter: Finding solutions for the family [Video file].
Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994b). Irreconcilable differences: A solution-focused approach to marital therapy [Video file].
Psychotherapy.net. (Producer). (2002b). Narrative therapy with children [Video file]. United States: Author.