EP90 Conversation Hour 01 - Cloe Madanes, Lic. Psychol.

Description:

Conversation Hour 1 from Evolution of Psychotherapy 1990, featuring Cloe Madanes, Lic. Psychol.

Educational Objectives:

1. Given a topic, to become aware of the differing approaches to psychotherapy, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses in each approach.
2. To learn philosophies of various practitioners and theorists.

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

Outline:

Therapeutic Neutrality and Ethics

• Therapists should take moral positions, especially in domestic violence cases.

• Ethical influence is essential; neutrality can be harmful.

• Motivate abusive individuals to take responsibility.

Sexual Obsessions and Arbitrary Control

• Encourage arbitrary, consistent decisions about sexual behavior.

• Use replacement actions like exercise or meditation.

• Repress rather than explore undesirable sexual impulses.

Clients with AIDS and Sexual Acting Out

• Involve family in encouraging responsible behavior.

• Extend the therapeutic unit to include significant others.

• Advocate for legislative intervention if necessary.

Couples with Communication Issues

• Set specific time and place for complaints.

• Use structure (e.g., kitchen timer, scripted phrases) to manage conflict.

• Promote egalitarian dynamics in relationships.

Paradoxical Interventions and Meaning

• Even misunderstood directives can hold therapeutic value.

• Use metaphorical interventions to create shifts.

• Record sessions for therapist self-review.

Panic Attacks and Family Roles

• Involve parents in reinforcing sibling behavior during panic episodes.

• Introduce adventurous, empowering activities.

• Emphasize family collaboration and support.

Support for Recovering Mothers

• Invite family to participate early, then build engagement.

• Tailor interventions to children’s developmental stage.

• Make small changes to strengthen family unity.

AIDS, Confidentiality, and Ethics

• Break confidentiality if partner safety is at risk.

• Act when clients refuse to disclose critical health information.

Cultural and Gender Adaptations

• Make therapy enjoyable, especially for women dealing with depression.

• Stay informed about societal influences.

• Customize therapy to client background and experience.

Homework Refusal in Therapy

• Apologize and reassess the task.

• Let clients design their own homework.

• Avoid power struggles over noncompliance.

Divorced Families and Child Issues

• Divorce doesn’t end co-parenting responsibilities.

• Help parents collaborate despite past resentments.

• Involve family to address children's silence or conflict symptoms.

Creative Interventions with Children

• Use therapy dogs to aid communication.

• Involve school staff and assign caretaking tasks to children.

• Create engaging, therapeutic experiences.

Complex Family Dynamics

• Help parents assume responsibility rather than blame children.

• Assign each child a protector within the family or extended circle.

• Be proactive in engaging the whole family system.

Ethics and Life Transitions

• Address the emotional shift from being cared for to caring for others.

• Reflect on the therapist’s own human condition and growth.

Treating Sexual Abuse and Incest

• Use a structured 16-step method emphasizing repentance and reparation.

• Serve both victims’ and offenders’ therapeutic needs.

• Prepare therapists through dedicated workshops.

Resource Constraints in Urban Agencies

• Never deny service due to finances.

• Break large family problems into manageable subgroups.

• Find protectors and supportive community figures.

Handling Directiveness Complaints

• Flip the script: let the client direct others.

• Stay adaptable and open to feedback.

Client Deaths and Emotional Trauma

• Deliver news of a client’s death personally and sensitively.

• Shift focus from abuse history to positive future possibilities.