BT02 Dialogue 01 - Catalizing Change in Individuals and Couples - Arthur Freeman, EdD and Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To become aware of the differing approaches to brief therapy and to describe the strengths and weaknesses in each approach.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Introduction and Session Focus

• Speakers reflect on shared backgrounds and experiences.

• Discussion shifts to first sessions in mental health settings, as requested by audience.

• Speakers agree to share overviews of their work before diving into cases.

Arthur Freeman’s CBT Approach

• Transitioned from psychodynamic to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

• Emphasizes CBT as comprehensive, including schema-focused methods.

• Focus on client’s history, context, and readiness to change.

• Encourages multiple intervention points depending on client needs.

Michele Weiner-Davis on Marriage and Divorce

• Specializes in working with couples near divorce.

• Aims to instill hope and promote choosing marriage.

• Identifies early signs of change and taps into clients’ existing strengths.

• Stresses skill building and communication balance in couples.

Skill Building and Client Engagement

• Skill development is crucial, especially for clients with personality disorders.

• Freeman shares example of teaching basic dating skills.

• Weiner-Davis underscores need for therapists to understand healthy relationships and development.

• Both stress collaborative therapy and therapist guidance.

Handling Resistance and Emotional Intensity

• Question raised about helping angry clients access strengths.

• Weiner-Davis suggests a stance of “benevolent skepticism.”

• Emphasis on teaching emotional regulation and self-soothing.

• Therapists must take an active, collaborative stance.

Domestic Violence and Therapy Coordination

• Addressing suspected abuse when one partner can’t speak openly.

• Weiner-Davis advocates for differentiated treatment based on context.

• Challenges arise when clients also attend individual therapy.

• Collaboration across therapeutic roles is essential; focus stays on present dynamics and rebuilding the marriage.