Assignment: Applying Narrative and Solution-Focused Therapy

Narrative and solution-focused therapy are postmodern theories of working with couples and families. In terms of practitioner relationships, both forms of therapy can be viewed as more collaborative than other theories discussed thus far in the course. They emphasize a more equal distribution of power between helping professional and client. They also promote movement away from a traditional metaphor of couple/family relations toward conceptualizing couple/family relationships as networks of co-constructed meanings.

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For this Assignment, view two of the media resources in this week’s resources (at least one narrative and one solution-focused video). Identify the couple’s or family’s issue(s) and begin to think about short- and long-term goals you might include in treatment plans for them. As you consider techniques or interventions to accomplish these goals, think about how you would measure progress in re-authoring or storytelling.

The Assignment (4–6 pages)

Based on the theory demonstrated in the narrative video:

Define the problem.
Formulate a theory-based treatment plan including short- and long-term goals for the couple’s or family’s issues.
Describe two theory-based interventions you would use and justify your selection.

Based on the theory demonstrated in the solution-focused video:

Define the problem.
Formulate a theory-based treatment plan including short- and long-term goals for the couple’s or family’s issues.
Describe two theory-based interventions you would use and justify your selection.
Explain one anticipated outcome of each.

Gurman, A. S. (2010). Clinical casebook of couple therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Chapter 3, “Explanation and Description: An Integrative, Solution-Focused Case of Couple Therapy” (pp. 44–65)

Chapter 8, “El Tigre, El Tigre: A Story of Narrative Practice” (pp. 153–178)

Beyebach, M., & Morejon, A. R. (1999). Some thoughts on integration in solution-focused therapy. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 18(1), 24–42.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Robbins, J. M., & Pehrsson, D. (2009). Anorexia nervosa: A synthesis of poetic and narrative therapies in the outpatient treatment of young adult women. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 4(1), 42–56.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

REQUIRED MEDIA

Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994a). I’d hear laughter: Finding solutions for the family [Video file].
Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases.
The approximate length of this media piece is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994b). Irreconcilable differences: A solution-focused approach to marital therapy [Video file].
Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases.
The approximate length of this media piece is 90 minutes.

Allyn & Bacon. (Publisher). (2002b). Narrative therapy with children [Video file].
Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases.
The approximate length of this media piece is 1 hour and 45 minutes.