Cnl-521 Vargas Family Case Study
How would Jay Haley or Cloe Madanes approach the current presenting problem? Identify and describe two interventions that he/she may use and why?
Jay Haley and Cloe Madanes’ strategic family therapy is useful in examining family functions and processes, such as problem-solving patterns or communication, by evaluating family behavior outside the counseling session (Mitchell, 2017). Increase in marital tension, impulsive behavior, and poor communication are the current presenting problems in the Vargas family. In approaching these problems, Jay Harley and Close Madanes would believe that change in the Vargas family will occur rapidly, without having an intensive analysis to the source of the presenting problems (Winek, 2010). The two strategic family therapy interventions that Jay Haley or Cloe Madanes would use in the context of Vargas family include (1) reframing or redefining of the problem scenario and (2) using paradoxical interventions.
Reframing or redefining the problem scenario: In reframing, Jay Haley or Cloe Madanes will create a different perspective of looking at the individual family members, family situation, or relationship by redefining its meaning (Mitchell, 2017). In this approach, members of Vargas family, for instance, Elizabeth would be able to look at conflict resolution in a different perspective.
Paradoxical interventions: For example, suggesting that the Vargas family take action seemingly against or in opposition to their counseling objectives so as to create the desired change in the family unit and its functioning (Winek, 2010). In the context of Vargas family, Elizabeth alleges that Frank’s unusual behavior should be eradicated to restore family happiness. Thus, Jay Haley or Cloe Madanes will direct Elizabeth to perform the very problem she seeks to eradicate.
How would an MRI-style therapist approach the current presenting problem? Identify and describe two interventions that would be used and why?
An MRI-style therapist would approach the current presenting problem in the Vargas family using the approach of symptoms analysis, analysis of ongoing communication patterns, and by focusing on the family’s interactions (Brown, 2012). The MRI-style therapist would use the role play and the “go slow and reframe” interventions when dealing with the Vargas family.
During role play, the MRI-style therapist would advise Heidi that she develops symptomatic behavior, whereby she stages cry for being quarreled or harmed by Frank every time but in pretense, then this will ensure that Elizabeth responds to Heidi’s cry by disciplining her son Frank anytime this happens (Winek, 2010). This will also change Bob’s habit of defending his son Frank when Elizabeth complains of his rough behavior because Bob will be seeing his son’s unwelcoming behavior too. Role play approach will help Bob realize that the kind of protection and defense he given Frank is creating more problems to her daughter Heidi. In the end, the MRS-style therapist will help restore the lost cordial relationship in the Vargas family and reduce frustrations he induces to Elizabeth.
During the “go slow” intervention, the MRS-style counselor would be seeking to reframe Frank’s impulsive behavior. Thus, the therapist will recommend that Bob analyzes ad interprets Franks unusual behaviors which he exhibits both at school and at home. In the case, Frank’s blatant conduct led to his suspension, because he was not respectful to the teachers. In therapy, this continued impulsivity can be associated with Bob’s reluctance and inability to discipline Frank when he does things the wrong way. In the other end, Elizabeth and Heidi are so stressed and disturbed by Frank’s dangerous conduct which Bob defends. This go slow and reframing technique would assist the MRS-style therapist let Bob understand that the constant arguments he has with Elizabeth the wife has a potential to persist, and that if it persist Frank will never change his behavior and the family will break down (Brown, 2012).
How would a Millan-style therapist approach the current presenting problem? Identify and describe two interventions that would be used and why?
A Millan-style therapist would approach the current presenting problems in the Vargas family using the circularity and therapeutic neutrality interventions. In circularity approach, the counselor would gather sufficient information based on the responses that Elizabeth and Bob give about their relationship, family functioning, and relationship with kids (Brown, 2012). Also, information about abrupt behavior changes in the family will be collected. In this approach, the counselor will identify the inferiority complex of Elizabeth and Bob’s inability to resolve internal problems as well as Bob’s lack of command to Frank his son.
During therapeutic neutrality, the counselor would advocate for neutrality in this family especially when assessing their problems by giving them equal opportunities to express their views and opinions (Mitchell, 2017). In this doing, Bob and Elizabeth will have control over decision-making processes and alleviate instances of viewpoint superiority as it is clear that Bob and Frank exhibit his rates of superiority over Heidi and Elizabeth. In the end, the family would see enhanced healthy relationships; hence improved functionality in all family unit areas.
References
- Brown, J. L. (2012). Growing yourself up: How to bring your best to all of life’s relationships. Wollambi, NSW: Exisle Publishing.
- Mitchell, O. (2017). Mental Health, Relationships, Theories. Mindfully Healing, 29(7), 4-15.
- Winek, J. L. (2010). Systemic family therapy: From theory to practice (2nd ed.). London: SAGE Publications.