Assignment:
Review the article: The Impact of Paradoxical Interventions on Perceptions of the Therapist and Ratings of Treatment Acceptability by Gordon R. Betts and Rory Remer
Part 1: Article Review (3 Pages)
Your 4th article review should discuss Paradoxical Interventions and how controversial they are. Please discuss the powerful techniques of these interventions used by Strategic Family Therapists. You will obtain 10 points for each new or recent edition text or peer-reviewed journal article reviewed and a one to two page text evaluation submitted. You may obtain these articles from any reputable site on-line (search educational/research journals). The evaluation should include the APA references for the text, the ISB number (if applicable), overall content description, specific strengths and weaknesses, and recommendation for its usefulness to the class. The article should include: the impact of family, friends, and/or community on the mental health of persons. Need Assignment Help?
2-3 Sources
3 Pages
Part 2: Discussions (100-130 words)
In describing the role of the therapist in Structural Family Therapy, the therapist should never be a 'player' in the family interaction, but instead works to change the family structure without becoming a part of it. Discuss how this can be done and why it is important to not become a part of the family structure.
Respond to two students: (30-50 words)
Student 1: While it is important for a therapist to play a role in helping to change family structure, it is imperative that they do not become part of that structure. If a therapist becomes part of the family system, they are no longer an objective / neutral party. They may become more likely to pick sides, favor certain members over others, or form opinions and recommendations that are influenced by the family's complex relationships. Additionally, this can be unethical, because it complicates the therapist client relationship, where a power imbalance already exists. There are several ways a therapist can prevent becoming a "player" in family interactions, including establishing clear boundaries, maintaining objectivity and neutrality, and removing themselves from any "family" talk.
Student 2: In family counseling, it is very important that the counselor establishes and enforces a strong and healthy boundary between them and the family unit. While it may be natural for a family to become very acquainted and comfortable with their counselor, it still would be distasteful to become a "part of the family" as the counselor. If a counselor does become emotionally or personally involved in a family, this can cause many issues and ultimately damage the counselor-client relationship. It is important as a counselor to reiterate the boundary as needed and to ensure the family/client that even with professional boundaries, the counselor can still play an important role in the treatment process-- so long as the boundaries are respected on both ends.