vertical and horizontal stressors and their relationship to or with any developmental nodal

QUESTION

Intervention Description (2 paragraphs)

• Analyze two systemic interventions based on one family therapy model.
  • Address the role of the therapist in executing the intervention, using a family therapy model from this course.
  • Discuss the influence of each intervention on the family system and change process, consistent with the theoretical model.
• Provide rationale for the application of each intervention.
  • Include research that supports your rationale: existing data and articles that support the use of this model and interventions with the presenting problems.

Intervention Application (2 paragraphs)

• Create a sample transcript consistent with the model chosen for this intervention.
  • Include dialogue for the therapist and family members, prefacing who is speaking, that reflect therapist questions consistent with language and aim of the model and intervention.
  • Note: Your transcript will begin in a session in progress, so imagine this is about 15 minutes into your session and you have already done your check-in with the clients. Make sure to note nonverbal interactions that are likely to take place during the intervention application (you notice a family member look away, smile, and so on).

Discussion of Impact and Change (2 paragraphs)

• Describe the impact and outcome of each intervention on the family system.
  • How does the application of the intervention create change?
  • What did clients say or do that indicated the intervention was effective?
  • How will the family be different as a result of the intervention? Provide specific examples, such as “Because boundaries were strengthened between mom and son, son will be more likely to branch out and engage in age-appropriate peer relationships.”
• Assess how telehealth would impact therapy with the family.

—-Information—–

Treatment Plan
Clinical Model
Choose and give a rationalization for one of the specific systemic models of this course that you will
utilize with this client system.
The treatment plan will be developed based on a Family Systems Therapy Model. This approach considers the family as a whole, focusing on understanding the dynamics, interactions, and roles within the family that contribute to individual issues. The goal is to improve family communication, reduce conflict, and enhance overall family functioning.
Describe the early phase of treatment with the Identified patient and the family using this model.
In the early phase of treatment, the primary goal is to establish a therapeutic alliance
and gather essential information. The therapist builds rapport with both the Millia and
Tyler. This phase involves conducting comprehensive assessments, which may
include clinical interviews, psychological testing, and observation. The therapist aims
to understand the presenting issues, family dynamics, and cultural context. The focus
is on engagement, creating a safe space, and setting initial treatment goals
collaboratively with Millia and Tyler.
Describe the middle phase of treatment with the identified patient and the family using this model.
The middle phase involves deeper exploration and intervention. Therapists work on
addressing specific issues identified earlier. Family therapy may involve techniques
like communication skill-building, conflict resolution, and reframing negative patterns.
With Millia, individual therapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral interventions,
psychodynamic exploration, or trauma processing might be employed. The therapist
guides Millia and Tyler towards increased insight, healthier coping strategies, and
improved relational dynamics.
Describe the termination phase of treatment with the identified patient and the family using this
model.
The termination phase focuses on consolidating progress and preparing for the end of
treatment. This involves reviewing goals achieved and skills learned, discussing the
possibility of setbacks, and developing strategies for relapse prevention. The therapist
helps Millia and Tyler understand that therapy is ending but support networks will
remain. Closure rituals or activities might be utilized to symbolize the end of this
therapeutic journey.
Describe vertical and horizontal stressors and their relationship to or with any developmental nodal
points with this family.
Horizontal stressors: abandonment and isolation
Vertical stressors: values and beliefs
Identifying Information
Cultural Formation Interview:
Millia Omnes, a 23-year-old, lives with her fiancé, Tyler Seher, and their dog, Zeus.
Tyler, a 27-year-old Staff Weather Officer in the United States Air Force, spends most
of his time providing tactical meteorological support with the Army unit. Millia, on the
other hand, is a psychometrist who has been experiencing manic-depressive
episodes for the past four to five years. As a result, she feels cut off from her friends,
her career, and her family. Recently, Millia’s episodes have lasted longer and resulted
in more serious outcomes. Sometimes Millia would stay in bed for days because she
would not take her anti-depressants given that they make her feel sadder than she
can manage. Tyler experiences uncertainty and powerlessness during Millia’s
episodes as a result of her resistance to taking her medicine. In addition, Millia has
not seen a therapist since she was a teenager and has suddenly developed suicidal
thoughts.
Cultural Identity of the Individual:
Millia is a Filipino-American female.
Cultural Conceptualizations of Distress:
Different cultures have unique ways of understanding and expressing distress.
Cultural conceptualizations of distress encompass how emotional or psychological
difficulties are recognized, labeled, and explained within a specific cultural context.
Psychosocial stressors and cultural features of vulnerability and resilience:
Psychosocial stressors are environmental factors that contribute to mental health
challenges. Cultural features can influence vulnerability (how susceptible one is to
stressors) and resilience (the ability to adapt and bounce back). Cultural factors
include social support systems, community norms, and traditional healing practices
that can either exacerbate or mitigate the impact of stressors.
Cultural features of the relationship between the individual and the clinician:
Millia and the therapist are both Filipino but have experienced different lifestyles and
upbringings. Cultural competence on the part of the therapist is crucial for building a
strong therapeutic alliance and tailoring treatment to the individual’s cultural needs.
Presenting Problem
Presenting Problem:
Millia’s struggles with severe depressive and manic-depressive episodes are the core
presenting problems. Her resistance to medication and the strain this places on her
relationship with Tyler are also central concerns. These issues are interconnected, as
her mental health impacts her relationship, and her relationship dynamics might be
influencing her mental health as well.
Other Assessments
Other Assessments:
A comprehensive assessment can be conducted, including an evaluation of Millia’s
interpersonal relationships, mental health history, social interactions, and spirituality.
The assessment can identify risk factors and potential areas of intervention.
Long Term Goals
Long Term Goals:
1. Improve Family Communication: Enhance communication skills within the family to
reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.
2. Enhance Coping Mechanisms: Help Millia and Tyler develop effective coping
strategies to manage stress, depression, and anxiety.
Short Term Goals
Short Term Goals:
1. Psychoeducation: Educate Millia and Tyler about depression, bipolar disorder, and
its impact on their relationship.
2. Communication Skills Training: Teach active listening and assertive communication
techniques to improve interactions.
Treatment Plan Interventions
Treatment Plan Interventions:
1. Individual and Couples Therapy: Individual therapy sessions will help Millia address
her personal struggles, while couples therapy will enable Millia and Tyler to work on
their relationship dynamics. This dual approach recognizes that Millia’s well-being is
intertwined with her relationship and family dynamics.
2. Family Genogram: Creating a family genogram helps visually map out family
relationships, roles, and patterns. This tool aids in identifying potential sources of
stress or conflicts within the family system.
Consultation with Other Professionals
Communication with Other Professionals:
Working alongside a psychiatrist and potentially a social worker or case manager
ensures a holistic approach. Monitoring medication and coordinating support services
are critical aspects of Millia’s care.
Legal, Ethical, and Other Considerations
Legal, Ethical, and Other Considerations:
1. Confidentiality: Therapists must maintain confidentiality, but when a client poses a
risk to themselves or others, therapists are ethically and legally bound to breach
confidentiality to ensure safety.
2. Informed Consent: Providing clear information about the treatment process, goals,
and potential risks ensures that Millia and Tyler are actively involved in their care.
3. Mandatory Reporting: Given Millia’s suicidal thoughts, therapists have a legal
obligation to report any potential harm she may pose to herself.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Taking into account the family’s cultural background ensures
that interventions are respectful and relevant, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness
of the therapy.
5. Autonomy: While respecting Millia’s autonomy, there’s a balance between
respecting her choices and taking necessary interventions to ensure her safety