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.

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 (2–3 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.

Required Readings

Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., Snyder, D. K. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 10, “Narrative Couple Therapy”
Chapter 11, “Solution Focused Couple Therapy”
Chapter 12, “Brief Strategic Couple Therapy”
Chapter 13, “Structural Couple Therapy”

Davarniya, Reza, Zahrakar, K, & Nazari, A. (2018). The effectiveness of brief solution-focused couple therapy (BSFCT) on reducing couple burnout. Journal of Research & Health, 8(2), 123-131.

Gutierrez, D., Carlson, R. G., Daire, A. P., & Young, M. E. (2017). Evaluating treatment outcomes using the integrative model of brief couples counseling: A pilot study. Family Journal, 25(1), 5-12.

Document: Treatment Plan Template (Word document)

Required Media

Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994a). I’d hear laughter: Finding solutions for the family [Video file].

Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994b). Irreconcilable differences: A solution-focused approach to marital therapy [Video file].

Psychotherapy.net. (Producer). (2002b). Narrative therapy with children [Video file]. United States: Author.