CC05 Workshop 09 - Changing Belief Systems - Peggy Papp, ACSW

Description: This session focuses on shifting belief systems in couples therapy, highlighting how cultural and personal histories shape relationship dynamics. A case study of a cross-cultural couple illustrates how therapy addressed communication barriers, cultural expectations, and emotional expression. Techniques included genograms, poetry, and symbolic tools like masks to improve understanding and connection. Emphasis is placed on empathy, creativity, and helping partners support each other’s growth and change.

Syllabus Description: Therapists sometimes get stuck trying to change a couple's interactional patterns without understanding the underlying belief systems that maintain the patterns. By zeroing in on the core beliefs and expectations of each partner, the therapist is able to address multiple levels of experience and help the couple change pivotal aspects of their relationship in a short period of time. Conflicting beliefs around money, sex, power, gender, responsibility and intimacy will be examined within this therapeutic framework. Videotapes excerpts will demonstrate different ways of changing constraining beliefs to those that enrich the relationship.

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe two methods for uncovering the beliefs and expectations underlying destructive interactional patterns.
2. To describe two different ways of changing constraining beliefs to those that enhance the relationship.

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