Empowering and Advocating for Vulnerable Populations
Part Four
Empowering Adult Victims of Domestic Violence
Chapter Seven
Training Issues in Couples
and Family Therapy
Personal Characteristics of Family Therapists
self-knowledge is critical, especially family-of-origin issues
Training, Supervision, and Clinical Experience
didactic methods
experiential methods
Values in Couples and Family Therapy
value system of therapist has crucial influence on formulation and definition of problems
Issues and Ethics
3
Confidentiality in Couples
and Family Therapy
Exceptions to confidentiality:
when mandated by law
when it is necessary to protect clients from harm to self or others
when family therapist is a defendant in a civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from therapy
when a waiver has been previously obtained in writing
Issues and Ethics
4
Confidentiality in Couples
and Family Therapy
Before therapy begins, the counselor needs to give information to family members about:
purpose of therapy
typical procedures
risks of negative outcomes
possible benefits of therapy
the fee structure
limits of confidentiality
rights and responsibilities of clients
the option that a family member can withdraw at any time
what can be expected from the therapist
Issues and Ethics
5
Empowering Adult Victims of Domestic Violence
Client empowerment appears to be particularly critical when counseling abused, battered, and victimized populations.
Abuse of a repetitive nature (versus a single episode) tends to escalate feelings of disempowerment.
Low self-esteem
Low self-efficacy
Self-hatred
False sense of self-esteem
Self-centeredness (narcissism)
Depression
Issues and Ethics
6
Empowering Physically Abused Client
Case Study: A Physically Abuse Client
Langmore (Therapist) shows empathy for Tabitha (client) by reflecting her emotions.
Reflecting is done with words, tone and body language
Langhorn attempts to enter Tabitha’s inner world.
Emotions of loneliness, betrayal, confusion and discomfort in her life
This is the ability to hone into the commonality of feelings, irrespective of actual individual life experiences (i.e., ability to care).
Issues and Ethics
7
Empowering Physically Abused Client
Case Study: A Physically Abuse Client
The textbook says, “Langhorn does not attempt to lead or persuade Tabitha in one direction or another”.
Do you agree?
Langhorn is supportive in offering some resources to Tabitha.
Could she have suggested anything else?
Issues and Ethics
8
Empowering Physically Abused Client
Case Study: A Physically Abuse Client
First assessment: Is Tabitha in imminent life threatening danger?
She is not: We re-empower through using more nondirective styles whenever feasible.
If She was: We use more directive styles in advising Tabitha
In this case and other like it, it should be the client’s decision to leave or not.
Issues and Ethics
9
Empowering Physically Abused Client
Case Study: A Physically Abuse Client
We must be aware of and assess the safety and welfare of client throughout sessions.
We create a safety plan if Tabitha’s situation takes a turn for the worse.
If client does into a shelter like Tabitha does, we continue make ourselves available in person or via phone.
If possible, this is done until goals are met and client is safe.
Issues and Ethics
10
Empowering an Emotionally Abused Client
Case Study: An Emotionally Abuse Client
Emotional abuse is not a distinctive (recognizable) as physical abuse
When spousal abuse does not have a physical dimension, it may be more perplexing for the victim to identify.
Issues and Ethics
11
Empowering an Emotionally Abused Client
Case Study: An Emotionally Abuse Client
Montego (Therapist) is “nonjudgmental”
Montego is nondirective (allows for empowerment).
Montego asks open ended questions
“How do you respond to that?”
Issues and Ethics
12
Empowering an Emotionally Abused Client
Case Study: An Emotionally Abuse Client
Montego uses his competence while working with Thea.
Montego carefully explained the dynamics of emotional abuse through factual objective educational material.
We must be competent in any advocating or educating situation.
Issues and Ethics
13
Empowering an Emotionally Abused Client
Case Study: An Emotionally Abuse Client
Does Montego breach the therapist-client professional boundary?
Thea was acting as if she were calling a friend or a romantic intimate rather than a therapist.
He is not sure if she will return to counseling, however, he is steadfast and courageous in hold his decision.
Could set the stage for emulation of strength by client.
Issues and Ethics
14
Empowering an Emotionally Abused Client
Case Study: An Emotionally Abuse Client
Counseling is terminated prematurely.
Montego makes referral for counseling in new state.
Montego offers a follow up with him 3 months later.
Empowering such clients involves facilitating their rational self-determination to make their own decisions on their own.
Issues and Ethics
15
