EP90 Workshop 15 - The First Two Interviews in Family Therapy: Negotiating and Conducting the Blind Date - Carl Whitaker, MD

Description:

The workshop will center on a role-played demonstration of family therapy using members of the audience. There will be an enactment of the telephone plea from the new patient to the therapist. Included will be structuring the blind date appointment between the two paranoids when the therapist is one of them. History taking and the war for the family "I" position will be demonstrated. Also discussed will be expanding the anxiety and establishing the generation gap.

Educational Objectives:

1. To list ways of preventing the formation of an impasse
2. To list ways to empower the family 

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

Outline:

Personal Experiences & Psychotherapy Evolution
The conversation explores early life experiences, non-traditional therapeutic influences, and the role of resilience. Reflections on personal growth highlight the impact of relationships, self-perception, and the power of humor in healing.

Challenges in Psychotherapy
The difficulty of personal change is contrasted with the importance of interpersonal transformation. The discussion critiques conventional therapist training, emphasizing the need for genuine connection over rigid techniques. Family therapy is presented as a more effective alternative to individual therapy.

Family Therapy & Intergenerational Dynamics
The benefits of involving multiple generations in therapy are emphasized, along with the importance of setting boundaries and carefully selecting participants. The approach focuses on uncovering family patterns and facilitating meaningful change.

Therapeutic Techniques & Family Involvement
A role-play and a real call with a potential patient illustrate therapy techniques, highlighting the need to understand motivations and involve the entire family. Strategies for working with families with histories of abuse or conflict are discussed.

Preparing for Family Therapy
The discussion stresses the importance of including ex-spouses, grandparents, and other key figures in therapy to gain a complete understanding of family dynamics. Commitment and open communication are seen as essential to success.

Laney’s Family Therapy Session
A case study follows Laney, who seeks therapy involving her parents, ex-husband, children, and current husband. Family skepticism and support emerge, revealing tensions. Therapy aims to address past influences and improve relationships.

Addressing Family Conflicts
Suggestions include maintaining structure in sessions, handling cultural differences, and fostering honest dialogue. The role of the therapist is to guide, not control, family interactions.

Commitment & Future Therapy
The importance of ongoing participation and self-reflection is emphasized. The session concludes with the family deciding whether to continue therapy based on their comfort and needs, reinforcing the value of honesty and commitment in the process.