Instructions
This week’s reading introduces you to two different models of therapy. The Integrative Problem Centered Metaframeworks model is a psychodynamic approach to couple therapy, while the Bowen Family Systems Couple Coaching model is a multigenerational approach. These models are dynamic in nature and your understanding of these theories of treatment will benefit you as you address the discussion board prompt for this week. In addition, you are tasked with reading about couple therapy in intercultural relationships.
Specifically, please read Chapters 6, 9, and 19 of the Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy text.
Vignette:
Romulus and Skyler have been married for two years and have reached out to you for couple’s therapy. Romulus is 25 years of age and identifies culturally and ethnically as an American of European ancestry (Romania). Skyler is 23 years of age and identifies culturally and ethnically as an American of European ancestry (England). Both Romulus and Skyler were born and raised in the United States.
During the initial session, the couple shared that over the last few months they have been arguing with one another and would like for the arguments to stop. As you explored the topics of arguments you discovered that Romulus loves to spend time with his extended family. He enjoys spending the weekend at his parents’ house, or with his siblings doing family-related activities. On the other hand, Skyler enjoys spending time with Romulus and scheduling activities that they both can do and share.
Skyler indicates that she adores Romulus’s family and occasionally enjoys spending time with them. However, she does not enjoy spending every weekend and all holidays with them. She shared with you how the familial interactions seem sexist as all the women and girls gather in a certain spot (more than likely, the kitchen) to cook and talk about the family, while all the men and boys gather in a certain spot to discuss sports, work, and the challenges of living while married. Skyler stated that this is not what she was used to growing up. She stated that she was used to having family get-togethers occasionally where all members of the family congregated in a specific location, and everyone interacted with everyone else.
Romulus shared that he has a tough time understanding how Skyler can only see her family twice or 3 times a year and is okay with that situation. He shares that his family means everything to him, and Skyler means everything to him. Naturally, he wants Skyler to become more comfortable with the family gatherings. He shares that they constantly argue about how loud it gets during the family get-togethers because at her family get-togethers hardly anyone talks to one another. He shares that they argue over the types of food prepared given that Skyler is a vegetarian, and he is not. He indicated that his family makes certain that there are multiple vegetarian dishes for Skyler and that she gets upset when he reminds her of that.
Prompt:
After reviewing the vignette, please select one of the two therapeutic models assigned to this week’s reading and share with us a concise theory-driven (using the language of the theory) case conceptualization and clearly articulate what you believe to be the couple’s presenting problem(s). In addition, present a minimum of three relevant (related to the vignette) theory-specific interventions. Please include your rationale for the intervention selected and clearly describe how the interventions would address the presenting problem(s) expressed by the client unit.
Answer
For this discussion, I settled on the integrative problem centered metaframeworks model (IPCMM). Romulus and Skyler’s disagreements have underlying causes, majority of which are subconscious drives. Romulus and Skyler come from different cultures and family backgrounds, thus, their behaviors are informed by subconscious adaptation of culture and family way of life. To that extent, Romulus believes spending time with … To access full answer, use the purchase button below.