Chapter 13 Video Post: "Family Therapy: Core Concepts of Different Approaches"

"Family Therapy: Core Concepts of Different Approaches" 

Chapter 13- Family Systems Therapy

In this video, the client is working with a couple, a male and a female. Based on the therapy session and the discussion, I believe this session is following Minuchin's Structural Therapy. Unlike Satir's approach, the therapist is more upfront and constantly reminds the female client of her behavior. During the session, the female constantly interjects and speaks for the male. The therapist notes this behavior seems parental, which causes the male to feel as if he doesn't have a say. After the therapist, confronts the female client multiple times, she eventually seems to see how she is apart of the invisible conflict and the male speaks more. 

Chapter 13- Family Systems Therapy

Chapter 13- Family Systems Therapy

According to the chapter, family systems therapy is developed by two main theorist, Virginia Satir and Salvador Minuchin. Virginia Satir's method is called the Satir Apporach. In the Satir Approach the therapist focuses on developing self-worth and healthy communication within the family. Minuchin's approach is called Structural Therapy. In structural therapy, the therapist is considered the coach and eventually another member in the family. The goal of this method is to acknowledge invisible rules, roles and conflicts, in order to build healthier relationships.

When looking into this method, I do not see it completely helpful in my future career in student affairs. In my role, I currently do not work with parents and would not have the time to meet with families for reoccurring appointments. Also, there are a few laws in higher education, such as FERPA, which may not allow me to speak with the parent if the student does not agree to counseling. However, while this method of counseling is not currently practiced in higher education, I may keep it in my back pocket. Recently, I have noticed a higher amount of parent involvement in the last few years, therefore this method may useful down the line.

Chapter 12 Video Post: "Feminist Session: Dr. Moore and Helen - Part 2"

"Feminist Session: Dr. Moore and Helen - Part 2"

Chapter 12- Feminist Therapy 

In this session, the therapist and the client are discussing an issue the client has with confronting her mom. During the session, the therapist focuses in on the situation and asks the client how does it make her feel and how the situation affects her other relationships. After the client discusses how she feels, the therapist acknowledge the inequalities woman may have when standing up for themselves. The therapist also gives the client insight on what they can do and how they can change the cycle with their daughter. As the video progresses, you are able to see more comfort from the client, almost as if she feels empowered.

In watching this video, I find that this method of counseling will definitely be helpful in counseling my future students. I remember as a student, I often went to my counselor seeking advice, but instead would leave with "follow what you think is right". As a student this was not what I wanted to hear and it made me feel like my counselor was unhelpful, therefore I stopped attending sessions.

I believe based on my experience and my knowledge of multicultural students, this method of counseling is one that I will truly use in my future.

Chapter 12- Feminist Therapy

Chapter 12- Feminist Therapy

According to the text, there is not one sole founder of feminist therapy. Feminist Therapy is  considered more philosophical than theoretical. It emerged out of dissatisfaction of current world practices and health concerns for women. In this type of counseling the role of the counselor is to acknowledge the inequalities a client may face due to social oppression. Throughout the sessions, the counselor will focus on the individual's strengths and tools to help the client grow. End goals of counseling is client feels empowered and knowledgeable.

Although this method of counseling was designed for women, I believe I will be able to use it in my future career in student affairs. I plan on working in multicultural affairs with historically represented students. Therefore, many of the issues my students may face will be similar to the issues women face. I believe by following the approaches in this therapy, I will be able to empower my students and help them achieve their goals. I also believe I can use this method to help educate other students on the historical disparities.



Chapter 11 Video Post: "Individual: Helping Client Exert Intentional Control"

 "Individual: Helping Client Exert Intentional Control" Video

Chapter 11- Reality Chapter

In this session, the counselor gives the client a scenario to help them see that they do have control. The counselor's scenario shows that the client is choosing not to do things based on their priorities and they are not taking responsibility. The counselor's approach is very direct and educative. However, the clients approach shows that he is not as willing to take responsibility, which is a possible indicator that the sessions may not be successful. The video does not tell us if this is a first session or 2nd, 3rd, etc... Therefore it is hard to tell if the sessions will be successful/progressive.

While I do view the counselor's approach as very helpful, I still do not see this approach completely helpful in my position in student affairs. I believe there are sometimes external factors which may impede an individual from attaining their goals, hence I still do not view this theory as an approach that I will use.

Chapter 11- Reality Therapy

Chapter 11- Reality Therapy

Reality Therapy was founded by William Glasser. Glasser believes that relationships are an extremely important part of our lives and behaviors. He finds healthy relationships as part of our basic needs. In Reality Therapy the goals of therapy are to help the individual take control of their thoughts and decisions in order to meet their basic needs. The therapy sessions are constructed with the counselor as a teacher and the client as a student. In order for this therapy to be successful the client must take responsibility for their actions and attempt to make changes.

When reviewing this theory and connecting with my career in student affairs, I see this method in both a good and bad view. Like many of the other theories, this method of therapy believes that the client is in control of their thoughts and actions. While I do I agree with this, I can only agree to a certain extent. In higher education, telling a student they do not have friends because they choose not to may not be the best route. Especially, if making friends will cause the client to give up many of their characteristics. While it is important to educate the client/student about their actions and their control, it is also important to help students create relationships and learn to accept differences. Forcing students to change/adapt to the environment is not always the best option, in my opinion. 

Chapter 10 Video Post: "Cognitive Session"

"Cognitive Session" Video

Chapter 10- Cognitive Therapy

In this video, the counselor begins the session by reviewing cognitive therapy and assuring the client understands what they are doing. In reviewing cognitive therapy, the counselor reviews a scenario in which she helps the client understand their goal. The client shows both understanding and agrees that this scenario applies to her, which makes the client acknowledge the need for the session. This clip does a great job at demoing the importance of having understanding from the client and creating a learning environment. The clip also does a great job at illustrating the goal behind the therapeutic process, which is helping the client adapt to the environment and feel comfortable with social interactions.