Interaction among the Couples Relationship Bereavement - Case Study Example

Running Head: Case Study Case Study Customer’s name: Institution: Customer’s Course Tutor’s Name 11th September, 2013 Introduction Marriage counselors are therapists who have been trained so as to assist couples with the various relationship difficulties that they may be facing. They are usually trained to look beyond the individual to the primary relationships and the roles that are usually played by individuals in the relationships. Thus they are supposed to take a long term and holistic view in terms of health. They are tasked with the duty of solving certain issues that a couple may be experiencing and the issues may range from anger, infidelity and communication problems just to mention a few. In relation to this the couple in the case study that is Jane and Peter seems to be experiencing communication problems between them. This paper therefore sets out to discuss the my role and responsibility as Jane’s and Peter’s counsellor and this with be done in respect to two different couples/family therapy models that is Experiential Family Counselling and Solution Oriented Therapy model. The discussion will also compare and contrast my focus of work from the two perspectives. The paper will also outline the developmental issues that the couple is facing and the core ideas and therapy goals that will guide me in counselling the couple. My role and responsibilities as a counsellor in relation to experiential Family Counselling and Solution Oriented Therapy model Family and marriage counsellors assist couples, individuals as well as families in enhancing and understanding relationships, resolving emotional issues and also enhancing the well being of all (Eldridge et al., 2007). The counsellors usually work collaboratively with their clients with the aim of enhancing the client’s resilience, strengths and articulate clear and concise relationship goals to be used in the future. One of the major roles that I will play is to clearly identify the factor or factors that are contributing to the problem that exists in the family (Nichols & Schwartz, 2001). Thus in connection to this case study I will set out to identify the main factor that is leading to a lack of communication between the couple. Another major role that I will play as a counsellor in both models when guiding Jane and Peter is to act as the facilitator (Gehart & Tuttle, 2003). Thus as the couples counsellor will be tasked with the duty of suggesting a variety of methods that can be used and applied to solve the problem at hand. For example as the family counsellor I will ask the couple to draw a picture of how they currently view their family or even draw a picture of the issues that the family is currently going through (Gale, 2007). Later the couple will draw of the possible solutions to the problems they are currently facing. By the use of drawing the couple will be able to express themselves in a constructive manner. As a counsellor I will also play the role of ensuring that the couple develops and maintains healthy communication skills (Gurman & Fraenkel, 2002). Based on the fact that the main problem that seems to be facing the couple is the communication problem I will ensure that by the use of the two therapy models mentioned above, they are able to develop and maintain healthy and effective communication skills. As the counsellor I will teach them of the on how to communicate effectively with each other. I will also play the role of a coach and collaborator (Gurman & Fraenkel, 2002). I will help the couple in developing strategies and skills that is aimed at solving their problems and issues. When acting as a coach I will ensure that the couple adopts the necessary skills and strategies and I will collaborate with them to ensure that they feel motivated to participate. Lastly, since no one is well equipped in all areas in instances when I notice that some issues require the attention of another professional I will be quick to refer the couple to other professionals for them to be assisted in any way (Nichols & Schwartz, 2001). Focus of work Work seems to be essential for functioning of families since without it parents cannot be able to meet the various needs in the family. In respect to this Peter’s work seems to occupy most of his time since he even works on week and this in a way limits the time he is able to spend with his family (Melito, 2003). For him to be able to play a role in solving the problem they are experiencing Peter need to find some time off with his family this will enhance the communication between them. Also in respect to solving the problem Jane also needs to find some time to communicate with his husband. Young mothers in most instances tend to avert all their attention to their young children and even tend to forget their husbands. For the issue to be solved Jane also needs to spare some time for Peter and this will go a long way in solving the problem they are currently experiencing. Developmental issues that the couple is facing The couple in the case study seems to be facing various developmental issues and this can be seems as been a major cause of the communication problem they are having (Long & Young, 2007). One of the major developmental issues they are facing in related to the baby they have. From the case study it is clearly evident that the couple had stayed for a long period of time without having a baby since the baby is now six months old. Both of them need to adapt to the new change and other changes that they will be going through in their lives as a married couple (Guterman, Mecias & Ainbinder, 2005). Another developmental issue that the couple seems to be facing is that they are currently living with Jane’s mother who is widowed when trying to save for an apartment deposit. The fact that they are living together may be a major cause of the lack of communication that they are experiencing since maybe one of them is afraid of communicating when their mother is there (Bitter, 2009). Thus it may be also advisable for them to try and move out of that cause in the aim of enhancing their relationship and communication. Core concepts and the goals that will guide me In offering counselling services to the couple there are various core concepts and goals that will guide me with the major one being the restoration of family balance (Becvar & Becvar, 2008). I will be able to accomplish this by determining and resolving the problems that are making the couple to be off balance. The other concept and goal will be the building of communication between the couples. Jane and peter seem to be experiencing communication problems and thus I will aim at making sure they communicate effectively with each other. The last concept and goal will be the rebuilding of trust in the marriage (Melito, 2003). Through this the couple will be able to forge forward and leave a better live together. Conclusion This from the discussion above it is clearly evident that couples are usually faced with a lot of problems and they therefore need to seek the necessary help for them to be able to solve them. By the application of the two therapy models that have been outlined able the couple will eventually be able to solve their communication problem that is currently present. When the counsellor undertakes his roles and responsibilities in the right manner most of the problems that most couples seem to be experiencing will be able to be solved in a timely and appropriate manner. Couples also need to try and cope with the various developmental issues that they will be facing from time to time in their married lives. References Becvar, D.S., & Becvar, R.J. (2008). Family therapy: A systemic integration. 7th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Bitter, J. (2009) Theory and Practice of Family Therapy and Counseling. USA: Brooks/Cole Long, L.L., & Young, M.E. (2007). Counseling and Therapy for Coupes (2nd Ed) USE: Brooks/Cole. Eldridge, K.A., Sevier, M. Jones, J., Atkins, D.C. & Christensen, A. (2007). Demand-withdraw communication in severely distressed couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(2), 218-226. Gale, B. (2007). Family therapy. Bereavement Care 26 (3), 58–59. Gehart, D. R., &Tuttle, A. R. (2003). Theory-based treatment planning for marriage and family therapists: Integrating theory and practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole/Thomson. Gurman, A.S. & Fraenkel P. (2002). "The history of couple therapy: a millennial review". Family Process 41 (2), 199–26 Guterman, J.T., & Mecias, A., & Ainbinder, D. (2005). Solution-focused treatment of migraine headache. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 13, 195-198. Melito, R (2003). Values in the role of the family therapist: Self determination and justice. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 29 (1), 3–11 Nichols, M. P., & Schwartz, R. C. (2001). Family therapy: Concepts and Methods (5th Ed.). New York: Allyn & Bacon. Read More