BT16 Keynote 04 - Transparency in Therapy - Cloe Madanes, HDL, LIC

Description:

Madanes will discuss the importance of bringing transparency to therapy. Being transparent means to share all relevant information with our clients in a way that is timely and valid. It means sharing the reasoning and intent underlying our statements, questions and actions. When you are transparent you create better results because clients understand your thinking. Therapy no longer needs to be based on mysterious, privileged knowledge – this is, after all, the age of Google, when anyone can get any question answered in a matter of seconds. Therapists need to step up and share as much of their knowledge and thinking as possible. Examples and case stories will illustrate how therapists can become transparent.

Educational Objectives:

1. Explain why transparency in therapy is important.
2. Give two examples for explaining to a client why you are asking a question.
3. Give two examples for explaining to a client why you are making a suggestion or giving a directive.

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

Outline:

Introduction to Transparency in Therapy

• Cloe Madanes opens by expressing nervousness and shifting focus to audience impact.

• Defines transparency as explaining the reasoning behind therapeutic questions and suggestions.

• Emphasizes that transparency builds trust and makes therapy more accessible to the public.

Explaining Hierarchy in Family Dynamics

• Shares a story from Morocco explaining hierarchy to business professionals.

• A couple applied the concept to their family: the mother stepped back, allowing father and son to resolve conflict independently.

Case Example: Addressing Child Abuse

• Banker who molested his daughter sought redemption.

• Cloe involved the entire family, reported the crime, and facilitated a process of repentance and reparation.

• Offender agreed to long-term financial support for the victim.

Divorce, Infidelity, and Psychiatric Mislabeling

• Man suspected wife of cheating; psychiatrist had labeled her bipolar.

• Cloe advised confronting the situation and finding a new psychiatrist.

• Man later appreciated the guidance and confessed to stopping his medication.

Adoption and Trauma-Related Behavior

• Adopted Korean girl exhibited behavioral issues likely linked to early trauma.

• Years later, after a shoplifting incident, Cloe advised self-awareness and understanding.

• Highlighted the need for compassion and vigilance.

Teen Suicide Attempt and Family Secrecy

• 15-year-old with a history of family abuse and suicide attempt.

• Cloe insisted on parental accountability and transparency.

• Boy improved and later attended a prestigious college.

Paranoia in a Teen After Divorce

• 13-year-old developed paranoid symptoms post-divorce.

• Father believed it was linked to the son's sexuality.

• Cloe recommended less academic pressure and more social activity (basketball).

• Symptoms improved without further therapy.

Religious Guilt and Self-Harm Thoughts

• Physician feared loving a woman more than God.

• Cloe suggested doing good deeds to shift focus from guilt.

• Result: Suicidal thoughts faded after acts of service.

Escaping a Cult and Family Pressure

• Woman raised in a cult began advocacy work against such groups.

• Family opposed her mission out of fear for their own careers.

• Cloe encouraged her to honor her mission and "deny her parents."

• Eventually, her mother came to respect her work.

Conclusion: Value of Transparency

• Transparency empowers both therapist and client.

• Cloe illustrates how it resolves conflict, builds trust, and heals trauma.

• Encourages therapists to model transparency and pursue meaningful therapeutic impact.