The Essentials of Family Therapy

Case Study Four: The Lucas Family, Chapter 7
Reflect and Reply
1. Which experiential interventions did the therapist use, and what effect did they have on the family?
2. Do you see evidence in this example of Satir’s claim that low individual self-esteem is at the root of most family problems? If so, how?
3. How might a cognitive-behavioral therapist work with this family?
Case Study Five: Stephen and David Chapter 10
Reflect and Reply
1. What biases still exist toward gay and lesbian individuals in society today? Which if any of these biases might you unknowingly share?
2. Are there any reverse prejudices regarding gay and lesbian individuals in society today? Which of these might you share?
3. How might an emotionally-focused therapist work with this couple?
Case Study Six: Alesha Jackson Chapter 12
Reflect and Reply
1. How might a narrative therapist externalize the problem Alesha is facing?
2. Would solution-focused therapy be beneficial for Alesha? Why or Why not?
3. Compare and contrast talking about the situation Alesha finds herself in using externalizing language versus problem-saturated language. If you were Alesha, what difference might each of these approaches make in how you felt about and dealt with the situation?

The book: Nichols, M.P & Davis, S.D. (2020). The essentials of family therapy. (7th ed.).