CC17 Topical Panel 03 - Couples Boundaries: Rigid, Permeable and Transparent - Janina Fisher, PhD, Martha Kauppi, LMFT, ACST, and Rick Miller, LICSW

Description:

Relational boundaries can be a source of problems if they are too inflexible or if they are too weak. Clinicians need a method to assess and treat boundary issues.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe couples boundaries in operational terms.
2. Given a couple, indicate the boundary style most common in its use.
3. Provide an example of each boundary type.

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

Absolutely! Here's the revised outline with "Martha Cowpey" correctly changed to "Martha Kauppi" throughout:

Outline

Introduction to the Couples Conference

• Overview of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation's Couples Conference in Manhattan Beach, California (April 2, 2017).
• Discussion on the complexity of boundaries, including internal vs. external boundaries.
• Emphasis on the importance of decision-making and the emotional challenge of saying "no."
• Introduction of three panelists—Rick Miller, Martha Kauppi, and Janina Fisher—each offering unique perspectives on boundaries.

Rick Miller's Perspective on Boundaries

• Exploration of the challenges faced in working with the gay male community.
• Consideration of the therapist’s role in either challenging or adapting to community norms.
• Importance of therapist comfort in discussing sex with clients.
• Recognition of differing norms around boundaries and sexual behavior between gay and non-gay communities.

Challenges in Gay Male Relationships

• Examination of rigid, permeable, and transparent boundaries within the gay male community.
• Difficulty in defining infidelity or “cheating” in various relationship structures.
• Use of somatic work to help clients identify personal boundaries.
• Need for therapists to understand and adapt to community-specific relationship dynamics.

Martha Kauppi's Perspective on Consent

• Focus on the central role of consent in healthy sexual interactions.
• Explanation of “rolling consent” and its significance in maintaining safety and autonomy.
• Importance of sophisticated communication and self-differentiation, particularly in open relationships.
• Emphasis on setting and maintaining clear boundaries in polyamorous dynamics.

Janina Fisher's Perspective on Body-Based Boundaries

• Emphasis on how body-based boundaries relate to early attachment experiences.
• Importance of therapist self-awareness regarding their own bodily responses.
• Helping clients learn to set boundaries through body awareness.
• Connection between vulnerability and the ability to establish personal boundaries.

Panel Discussion on Boundaries

• Focus on the internal negotiation process involved in setting boundaries.
• Challenges in establishing boundaries with emotionally attuned partners.
• Reiteration of rolling consent and self-differentiation in relationships.
• Importance of befriending vulnerability as a foundational boundary skill.

Audience Questions and Responses

• Questions addressed include conflict limit-setting, self-soothing techniques, and navigating consent in polyamorous relationships.
• Panelists share practical tools and therapeutic strategies.
• Discussion on the psychological impact of sexuality and the diverse ways people experience and express sex.
• Advice on working with gay couples and avoiding therapist microaggressions.

Final Appreciation and Closing Remarks

• Gratitude expressed for the insights shared by the panelists.
• Reinforcement of the importance of ongoing communication and negotiation in boundary-setting.
• Encouragement for therapists to support clients in exploring and defining their own boundaries.
• Closing appreciation for both the audience and the panelists.