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Thought Questions

The document presents thought questions related to theories and techniques of marriage and family therapy (MFT), covering various aspects such as systems perspectives, ethical concerns, the use of diagnoses, and the dynamics of therapy. It encourages reflection on personal attitudes towards therapy, the effectiveness of different therapist styles, and the implications of family therapy practices. Additionally, it addresses the impact of family myths and the potential for paradoxical interventions in therapeutic settings.

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Hayley Gold
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3 views

Thought Questions

The document presents thought questions related to theories and techniques of marriage and family therapy (MFT), covering various aspects such as systems perspectives, ethical concerns, the use of diagnoses, and the dynamics of therapy. It encourages reflection on personal attitudes towards therapy, the effectiveness of different therapist styles, and the implications of family therapy practices. Additionally, it addresses the impact of family myths and the potential for paradoxical interventions in therapeutic settings.

Uploaded by

Hayley Gold
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THEORIES AND TECHNIQUES OF MFT-1

David A. Levy, Ph.D.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. A 10 year-old child is acting out at school. From a systems perspective, factors at several
levels could be contributing to this behavior; conversely, the child's behavior may be influencing
these factors (i.e., causality can be bi-directional). Discuss how are each of the following
systems might be involved: Organ System (e.g., nervous system); Organismic System (e.g.,
individual); Group System (e.g., family); Organizational System (e.g., school); Societal System
(e.g., neighborhood). Offer your suggestions for positive interventions to change the situation.

2. A major ethical concern in family therapy is whose interest the therapist should serve. The
identified patient? The family? Only the members attending the sessions? Discuss your
viewpoint.

3. Do you favor the use of diagnoses? What are some advantages and disadvantages in the use
of diagnosing? Should the therapist share the diagnosis with the client/family?

4. What are your thoughts about requiring students who are studying to be therapists to enter
therapy themselves as clients? Should this be encouraged? Mandatory?

5. What are your personal attitudes toward group or individual therapy? What are the advantages
and disadvantages of each? Which would be better for you?

6. Under what conditions might a "conductor" type of therapist be most effective? Under what
conditions might a "reactor" type of therapist be most effective?

7. Do you favor a therapeutic endeavor that attempts to uncover the past, or one that is focused
more in the "here-and-now"? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each style?

8. Some people prefer a therapist who is self-revealing, whereas others do not. What are your
personal attitudes toward this issue?

9. With what kind of family would it be most difficult for you to work? With what type of
family would it be easiest for you to work? Why?

10. What do you see as the primary advantages of family therapy over individual therapy?
Disadvantages? Under what conditions might you treat a marital or family problem with only
one member of the family?

11. Family therapy is sometimes observed directly by others or videotaped for later viewing by
trainees and supervisors or by professional groups. This brings up the issue of confidentiality.
What are your thoughts on this issue? What are your feelings about participating with your
family under these conditions?

12. What family myths handed down from earlier generations exist in your family? What were
some of the rules (overt and covert) in your family of origin? What was their impact on your
development?

13. Can you picture yourself using paradoxical intervention for a family coming to you for help
in order to induce change? How easy or difficult would it be? What problems might arise for
you? What would your reaction be to a therapist who used this technique in working with you?

14. Reframe the following:


a. Mother pokes into my private affairs too much.
b. Brother is selfish and thinks only of himself.
c. He is always trying to prove that he is "right".
d. She is not facing the situation because she's weak.
e. That guy is too manic.

15. List some behaviors in a friend or family member that are bothering you. Reframe the
meaning of each behavior so a new, more positive outlook results.

16. What are your reactions to a couple in a dual-career marriage? What do you see as the
primary advantages and disadvantages?

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