Case Conceptualization In Couple Therapy

Integrating recent research and developments in the field, this revised second edition introduces an easy-to-master strategy for developing and writing culturally sensitive case conceptualizations and treatment plans. Concrete guidelines and updated case material are provided for developing conceptualizations for the five most common therapy models: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Biopsychosocial, Adlerian, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The chapters also include specific exercises and activities for mastering case conceptualization and related competencies and skills. Also new to this edition is a chapter on couple and family case conceptualizations, and an emphasis throughout on trauma. Practitioners, as well as graduate students in counseling and in clinical psychology, will gain the essential skills and knowledge they need to master case conceptualizations.

This textbook provides undergraduate and master’s students with a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the primary models of couples counseling, allowing them to compare and contrast each theory alongside a single case. Designed to be the core text for couple therapy courses, the book begins by introducing the field as well as presenting Carissa and Steve, a couple whom readers will follow as each model is applied to their case. The chapters focus on 11 different theoretical models, such as Bowen family systems theory, emotionally focused couple therapy, the Gottman method, solution-focused couples counseling, narrative couple therapy, and more, with expert therapists writing on each of these unique models. Each chapter addresses the history of the model, the conceptualization of problem formation, diversity considerations, and the conceptualization of problem resolution. With transcripts, reflective exercises, and questions for class discussion throughout, this book will allow training therapists to easily compare, contrast, and apply the most prevalent models in couples counseling. This textbook is a core text for graduate marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, clinical psychology, and social work students. The book will also be useful for practicing professionals who want to explore how to apply a specific model of counseling to couples.

Presenting an innovative framework for tailoring cognitive-behavioral interventions to each client's needs, this accessible book is packed with practical pointers and sample dialogues. Step by step, the authors show how to collaborate with clients to develop and test conceptualizations that illuminate personal strengths as well as problems, and that deepen in explanatory power as treatment progresses. An extended case illustration demonstrates the three-stage conceptualization process over the entire course of therapy with a multiproblem client. The approach emphasizes building resilience and coping while decreasing psychological distress. Special features include self-assessment checklists and learning exercises to help therapists build their conceptualization skills.

Written for graduate courses in family therapy, practicum and internship, the text is also suitable for advanced undergraduates taking an introductory family therapy course. In this highly-anticipated new text, the reader will learn the key concepts and techniques of the various family therapy models, how to use these concepts to develop a case conceptualization of why a family is currently having difficulties, and what course of treatment might be most appropriate. Each chapter utilizes the same case family to explore the intricacies of how that model views the theory of problem formation as well as the theory of problem resolution. Further, a mock first session for each approach is provided to allow the reader to gain a richer grasp of how the models are enacted. Uniquely engaged with one case study family throughout, readers will be drawn into the depth and subtleties of applying the most prominent family therapies, integrating theories when necessary, for the betterment of the family involved in seeking treatment. A robust Instructor's Resource Manual with Test Bank includes eight additional cases for exploration of a broader diversity of family constellations and presenting issues.

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) views clinical disorders as, at base, emotional disorders. Case formulation in EFT represents an organizing framework and a map to help therapists specifically address these emotional problems. This book presents a detailed, concrete, step-by-step process for constructing an emotion-focused case formulation, ready for use with clients. EFT case formulation focuses on the client's narrative content (the stories they tell) as well as emotional processing (how the client feels). By attending to the interaction between these two things and paying particular attention to the painful emotion underlying the presenting problem, therapists can make moment-to-moment decisions about how to proceed in therapy. As a result, clients change maladaptive emotions and create more adaptive meaning of events and feelings. The chapters present each stage of case formulation in depth, followed by case examples that apply the case formulation method to a cross-section of clinical disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Contributors. Foreword, Alan S. Gurman, University of Wisconsin Medical School. Preface. Acknowledgments. Overview of Couples Therapy, Louis J. Bevilacqua and Frank M. Dattilio. Introduction and Case Conceptualization of Mike and Jan, Louis J. Bevilacqua and Frank M. Dattilio Part I: Systems Theories. Bowen Systems Theory, Daniel V. Papero. Structural Theory, Harry J. Aponte and Edward J. DiCesare. Strategic Therapy, James Keim Part II: Psychodynamic Theories. Object Relations Therapy, Jill Savage Scharff and Yolanda de Varela. Adlerian Therapy, Jon Carlson and Len Sperry . Imago Relationship Therapy, Wade Luquet Part III: Cognitive-Behavioral Theories. A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach, Frank M. Dattilio and Louis J. Bevilacqua Part IV: Integrative Theories. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Susan Johnson. Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, Janice Jones, Andrew Christensen, and Neil Jacobson. Integrative Marital Theory, William C. Nichols. The Intersystem Model, April Westfall. Conflict Resolution Therapy, Susan Heitler. Relationship Enhancement Couples Therapy, Barry G. Ginsberg Part V: Postmodern Theories. Recasting the Therapeutic Drama: A Client-Directed, Outcome-Informed Approach, Barry L. Duncan, Jacqueline A. Sparks, and Scott D. Miller. Feminist Couples Therapy, Cheryl Rampage. Narrative Therapy with Couples, Jill Freedman and Gene Combs. Epilogue, Frank M. Dattilio and Louis J. Bevilacqua.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is more than just a set of techniques for structuring psychotherapeutic treatment; it also offers a new, insightful, transdiagnostic approach to case conceptualization and to mental health in general. Learn to put this popular new psychotherapeutic model to work in your practice with this book, the first guide that explains how to do case conceptualization within an ACT framework. ACT in Practice offers an introduction to ACT, an overview of its impact, and a brief introduction to the six core processes of ACT treatment--the six points of the hexaflex model and its pathological alter ego, the so-called inflexahex. It describes how to accomplish case conceptualizations in general and offers précis of the literature that establish the importance and value of case conceptualization. This guide also offers possible alternative case conceptualization for cases from different therapeutic traditions, a great help to therapists who come from a more traditional CBT background. Exercises throughout help you to evaluate the information you have just learned so that you may effectively integrate ACT into your practice.

Couples counseling is distinct from individual and family therapy and, while ideas from these other formats may be overlapping, applying theoretical concepts to couples has distinctive challenges. Behavioral, Humanistic-Existential, and Psychodynamic Approaches to Couples Counseling is unique in that it addresses how to conceptualize various theories around a single case. By discussing only one case, the reader is more readily able to compare and contrast the theoretical ideas of each theory, as well as the pragmatics of techniques. Five theories are discussed around four consistent parts: history, theory of problem formation, theory of problem resolution, and case transcript.