pick one of the midterm topics (either the one your group presented on or another) and complete a 7 page paper. Papers should not exceed 7 pages and should not be below 6 pages. Reference pages should include all sources. Various sources are permitted. APA format is a MUST. Remember, to take advabtage of the library resources. Midterm Topics: (They can also be found on slide 15 of the powerpoint from 9/19 class)
1. Exploring the Foundations of Family Therapy and Personal Reflection on Family Dynamics
Presentation Prompt: Provide an overview of the foundations of family therapy, discussing its core principles and approaches. Analyze the concept of family relationships and how therapists understand and engage with families and couples. Include a discussion of the evolving concepts of change in family therapy, focusing on how different models (e.g., systemic, structural, cognitive-behavioral) address family dynamics and communication patterns.
Self-Reflection Component: Reflect on your own family dynamics. How do your personal experiences with your family align with or differ from the concepts learned in class? How might these experiences influence your approach if you were a family therapist?
2. Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy: Theory, Application, and Personal Connection
Presentation Prompt: Define and explore Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT), highlighting its key theories, techniques, and applications in treating families and couples. Discuss how CBFT seeks to change family dynamics by addressing thought patterns, behaviors, and communication styles. Explain how CBFT differs from other family therapy approaches and the unique benefits it offers.
Self-Reflection Component: Consider how cognitive and behavioral patterns play out in your own family relationships. How might some of these patterns be addressed using CBFT techniques? Reflect on your role within your family and how you “show up” in relation to your family’s communication and problem-solving dynamics.
3. Evolving Concepts of Change in Family Therapy and Personal Growth
Presentation Prompt: Discuss the evolving concepts of change within family therapy, focusing on how different therapeutic models approach change in families and couples. Compare and contrast traditional approaches to more contemporary models (e.g., narrative, solution-focused, and emotionally focused therapy). How do these models engage with family beliefs, behaviors, and relationship dynamics?
Self-Reflection Component: Reflect on your own experiences with change within your family. How has change been navigated or resisted in your family over time? How do the concepts learned in class help you better understand your family’s process of change, and how might this influence your views on change in a therapeutic setting?
book: Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., & Snyder, D. K. (Eds.). (2023). Handbook of Family Therapy: The Science and Practice of Working with Families and Couples (4th ed.). Routledge.