EP90 Invited Address 01b - Stories of Psychotherapy - Cloe Madanes, Lic. Psychol.

Description:

Some new and some very old concepts will be discussed and illustrated with stories of psychotherapy cases.

Educational Objectives:

1. To learn ways to motivate people for change.
2. To learn how to use fantasy and metaphors to effect change.
3. To learn ways to go from hopelessness to optimism and opportunity.

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

Outline:

Introduction and Overview

• Cloe Madanes introduced as co-director of the Family Therapy Institute of Washington, DC.

• Notes decline in trust in institutions and rise in self-help.

• Therapy has shifted focus from individuals to family systems.

• Families function as self-help groups; therapists reorganize and then disengage.

Stories of Self-Help and Family Reconnection

• Woman with anxiety reconnects with estranged children; alcoholic daughter recovers.

• Therapist uses financial incentive to stop child abuse, helping the mother find work.

• Woman procrastinating on dissertation writes checks to motivate completion.

Hierarchies and Family Networks

• Shift from hierarchical to network-based models in therapy.

• Emphasis on empowerment, lateral communication, and self-help across family networks.

• Families seen as extended systems including step-relatives and community members.

Specialized Family Therapy Techniques

• Playful interaction used to treat a boy with tantrums.

• Man fearful of rejection encouraged to be rejected until he grows confident.

• Children can help care for parents; therapy can support parent relationships.

• Addressing taboo topics like sex, drugs, and family memories is vital.

Ethics, Spirituality, and Humor

• Ethical and spiritual care emphasized in incest/abuse cases.

• Metaphors and symbols used to convey higher values and compassion.

• Humor used to elevate mood and create positive shifts.

• Example of a couple helped through humor and memory creation.

Response from Mary Goulding

• Praises Cloe’s empathy and strength in maintaining family unity.

• Notes diverse approaches enrich the field.

• Supports programs that provide financial and hospice-like support for families.

Q&A on Techniques and Family Dynamics

• Self-disclosure useful if it builds trust.

• School groups can act as alternative family units.

• Therapy must address abuse directly and involve the whole family.

• Children caring for parents should be acknowledged and supported.

Addressing Violence and Substance Abuse

• All other therapy stops when violence is present.

• Mixed views on psychotropic meds; substance abuse should be addressed head-on.

• Therapy should include multiple family members and professionals.

• Anger management referrals can support family insight and change.

Hope, Optimism, and Purpose in Therapy

• Channel love into new connections after loss.

• Defends self-help networks, even when she disagrees with their goals.

• Therapy helps each person find meaning and become the “hero” in their life.