Culture
Sample Solution
Family Therapy Example: The Jones Family
Client Background:
The Jones family consists of a married couple, Sarah (42) and Michael (45), and their two teenage children, Emily (16) and David (14). Sarah is a first-generation American from a Mexican background, while Michael is Caucasian and comes from a more individualistic family dynamic. They seek therapy due to frequent arguments between Sarah and Emily, often centered on cultural expectations and differing communication styles.
Boundary Considerations:
- Cultural Sensitivity: As the counselor, I would prioritize understanding the cultural backgrounds of both Sarah and Michael. Recognizing the collectivistic values in Sarah's Mexican heritage and the potential for contrasting individualistic values in Michael's family is crucial (Sue & Sue, 2013).
- Intergenerational Patterns: Exploring communication patterns within each parent's family of origin can shed light on their current dynamics with their children (Aponte & Becerra, 2018). This can help identify potential sources of conflict between Sarah and Emily.
- Family Subsystems: Maintaining clear boundaries between therapist and family members is essential. While open communication is encouraged, respecting individual privacy within the family unit is important (Corey, 2017).
Full Answer Section
Treatment Plan Considerations:
- Cultural Competency Training: Providing psychoeducation on cultural differences in communication styles and family dynamics can equip the family with tools to navigate disagreements more effectively (Hook et al., 2019).
- Family Communication Skills Training: Utilizing techniques like active listening and "I" statements can facilitate healthier communication patterns within the family (Corey, 2017).
- Intergenerational Exploration: Exploring the family history and communication styles within each parent's family of origin can shed light on their parenting approaches and potential areas for growth (Aponte & Becerra, 2018).
By considering these boundary and treatment plan considerations, the therapist can foster a safe space for open communication and create a collaborative environment where the Jones family can work towards a more harmonious family dynamic.
References
Aponte, H. J., & Becerra, R. M. (2018). The broken family: Therapy and practice. Jason Aronson.
Corey, G. (2017). Case management and care coordination in counseling and psychotherapy. Brooks/Cole.
Hook, J. N., Davis, D. W., & Shao, H. (2019). Culturally competent mental health service delivery for youth: A review of the literature. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(1), 127-142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16142537/
Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. W. (2013). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory, research, and practice. Wiley.