This week of the course covers psychoanalytic family therapy and cognitive behavioral family therapy. The assigned readings list which chapters to look at, however, you will need to look at specific sections of each of those chapters to develop a clear understanding of each of these types of therapy and to accurate this week’s discussion questions. Gehart’s chapter 7 addresses intergenerational models of therapy, which were influenced by psychoanalytic theory, as well as models of therapy that are explicitly considered psychoanalytic family therapy approaches. In Week 4 discussion, you should focus your discussion comments on psychoanalytic family therapy specifically (chapter 7). Chapter 8 covers both cognitive and behavioral family therapy, as well as mindfulness-based therapies. While you’re welcome to read about mindfulness-based approaches, you should focus your discussion comments on the cognitive behavioral therapy information (chapter 8).

The movement to a new way of perceiving and conceiving mental health that was systems thinking led to a rejection of the more individual-focused approach of psychoanalysis.  Many of the founders of MFT rejected the ideas of individualism in favor of the more relational and interactional focus of the new movement.  With the shift in psychoanalytic thought from strict individualism to the more relationship-oriented object relations perspective came more openness to this model in MFT.

The first efforts of behavior therapists related to working with families involved training parents to use techniques of behavior modification and therapists to teach communications skills to couples.  The application of cognitive principles and the increased focus on family dynamics has made cognitive –behavioral therapy much more widely appreciated and used by MFTs. While examining this approach, please pay attention to the article of Patterson (2014) A cognitive behavioral systems approach to family therapy, which outlines the important difference between the traditional individual-based CBT and systems-based CBFT.

Instructions regarding AATBS materials, the readings listed below will be found in the following volumes:

California Exam Volume II – Treatment Planning and Treatment (focus on the information about this model)

National Exam Book – Treatment (focus on the information about this theory)

Be sure to carefully review this week’s resources. You will be expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.

Supplemental Reading:

Books to consult for additional information about this week’s model.

Object Relations Therapy

Scharff, D. E. & Scharff, J. S. (2000). Object relations couple therapy. New York, NY: Jason Aronson.

Scharff, D. E. & Scharff, J. S. (1977). Object relations family therapy. New York, NY: Jason Aronson.

Behavioral Family Therapy

Falloon, I. R. H. (1988). Handbook of behavioral family therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy

Epstein, N., & Baucom, D. H. (2002). Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach. Washington, DC: APA.

Dattilio, F. (2013). Cognitive-behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive guide for clinicians. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Gottman

Gottman, J. M. (1999). The Marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. New York, NY: Norton & Company.

Books and Resources for this Week:

Books
Reference Instruction
Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) materials

Read materials related to Psychodynamic and Psychoanalitic sections and Cognitive-Behavioral models
Gehart, D. R. (2014) Mastering competencies in family therapy

Read Chapters 7, 8
Document/Other
Reference Instruction
Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT): Don’t forget the “F”.
CBFT Mini-lecture.pptx

View PowerPoint
PowerPoint – Chapter 8 CBT MCFT
Chapter 8 CBT MCFT.pptx