The Routledge International Handbook of Couple and Family Therapy 1003297870, 9781003297871

Table of contents :
Cover
Half Title
Series Information
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
About the Editor
About the Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Section I Personal Voices and Philisophical Perspectives
1 The State of Couple and Family Therapy Internationally
Introduction
History of Couple and Family Therapy
The Role of a Therapist
Practice Pattern Differences
Theoretical Emphases in Different Regions
Licensure Processes and Credentials for Professional Organizations
So Where Does That Leave Us?
Final Thoughts
Family Therapy Is a Story of Innovation and Creativity
Family Therapy Is a Story Of Science
Family Therapy Is a Story of How to Reinvent Yourself
References
2 Addressing Existential Concerns in Families Amongst Contemporary Shifts: A Psychoanalytic, Object Relations Perspective
Introduction
Phenomenology of Death in Families
A Historical Shift in Family Dynamics Due to War
Freud and Death in Psychoanalysis
Object Relations Psychoanalysis
A Psychoanalytic, International Lens
Future Developments and Implications
Case Study: The Case of a Blended Family
Case Conceptualization
Future of Treatment for Family Therapists
Three Key Points for Clinical Research and Practice
References
3 Milan School of Family Therapy
Introduction
Complexity Is Our Mandate
Therapy as a Construction
Therapy as a Second-Order Reflexive Process
The Importance of Relationship
Where Body and Movement Stand
Two Last Keywords: Ethics and Aesthetics
Conclusions
References
4 A Narratological Study of a Family-Therapeutic Case History
Our Story Begins …
The “Disguised” Problem: Writing Case Histories
How the Problem Emerged
Contributions to the Problem in Several Social Sciences
Ethnography: The Writing-Culture Debate
History: The Case of Hayden White
Reportage As a Prototype for Doing Sociology
Contributions to the Problem in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapeutic Research
A Case Story
Voices and Silent Voices: Who Has His Say and Who Not?
The Narrative Plot of the Story – What Is Really Told?
Narrative Plot and Relations of Power: The Power of the Therapists Is Veiled/Disguised
Key Takeaways
Resources and References
5 Family Rituals
Defining Rituals
Routines Vs. Rituals
Development of Rituals in Systems
Influences: Rituals Across Generations
Influences: Traditions
Influences: Culture
Influences: Religion
Rituals Throughout the Life Cycle
Marriage: Negotiating Rituals
Child-Rearing: The Passing On of Rituals
Launching Children and Later Life
Disruptive Events in the Family Life Cycle
Separation, Divorce and Remarriage
Physical/Mental Illness
Loss and Death
Migration
The Pressure to Continue Rituals
Recognizing Rituals in a Culturally Sensitive Manner
Family Symptoms
Resistance
Cross-Cultural Rituals
Culturally Sensitive Strategies for Redesigning Rituals
Identifying Concerning Rituals
Clinical Intervention
Conclusion
References
6 Lived and Successful Sexuality: A Challenge for Couple and Family Therapy
Introduction
State of Research
Study
Methodical Approach
Sociodemographic Data
Fantasies
Descriptive Statistics in Group Comparison – Gender Comparison
Pearson Chi-Square Interference Statistics
Interpretation
Study: Sexuality and Sexual Preferences Among Adolescents and Young Adults First Results of the German Sex Survey
Results
Discussion
Implications for the Practice of Couple and Family Therapy
Three Key Takeaways
References
Section II Theories and Models in an International Context
7 Sociocultural Attunement in Family Therapy: Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy: Third-Order Thinking
Context
Third-order Thinking and Third-Order Change
Thinking About Thinking and Third-Order Ethics
Third-order Positioning: Supporting While Disrupting
Colonizing and Decolonizing in Family Therapy Practice
Re-Thinking Best Practices
Colonizing Effects of Professional Standards and Diagnostics
Decentering Western-Based Family Therapy
Third-order Thinking in Clinical Practice
Tracking the Flow of Power
Attending to Context
Guidelines for Socioculturally Attuned Practice
Attune to Context and Power
Name Injustice
Value What Is Minimized
Intervene in Power Dynamics
Envision Just Alternatives
Transform to Make the Imagined a Reality
Conclusion
Reflexive Questions
References
8 Socio-Relationally Responsive Supervision for Inclusive Learning: A Discursive Anti-Dominance Perspective
Introduction
A Political Call and the Activity of Knowledge Construction
Supervisory (Relational) Interactions: Sites of Meaning Making
Relational ADEI
Reflexive Relational Responsivity
Relational Discursive Loop
Socio-Relationally Responsive Supervision in Practice
Locating Self: A Reflective Exercise and Presentation
Reflections On (Not) Norming of Identity and Practices
Implications for Therapist Training: Takeaways
References
9 Emotional Divorce and Couples Therapy in Iran
Introduction
Clinical Application
Considerations for Iranian Couples
Future Clinical Directions
Future Research Directions
Three Key Takeaways
References
10 ‘It’s More Than I Can Manage’: Psychosocial Counselling and Family Therapy for Refugees in Mecklenburg–Vorpommern
Introduction
Culturally Sensitive Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychosocial and Family Counselling for Refugees
Dealing With Guilt and Shame: Three Case Studies
Conclusion
References
11 Bi-National and Multicultural Expat Couples in Mexico City: Exploring Covert Cultural Contracts
Introduction
Clinical Vignette
Clinical Work With Global Citizens
Covert Cultural Contracts
Expat and Identity: What Is in a Name?
Cross-Cultural Adjustment
Intercultural Model
Psychological Comfort With Host Country Culture
Cultural Conceptualization of Social Justice
Multilingual Couples
Facilitating Language Agreements
Logistics Fatigue
Personal Reflections
Isolation and Building Community
Working Internationally
Parenting Third Culture Kids
Race and Seeking Intimate Relationships Internationally
Three Key Takeaways
Concluding Thoughts
References
12 Systemic Family Therapy in Africa: Past, Present, and Future Trends
Introduction
Africa, a Multi-Ethnic Continent
It Takes a Village: Indigenous Knowledge, Distinct and Commonly Shared African Cultural Values
Applications of Ubuntu in the African Societies
Ubuntu Parenting
Ubuntu Therapy: An Integrative Approach to Mental Health Treatment
Africans and Aesthetic Values
Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health in Africa
Family Structure and Marital Relationships in Africa; Traditional and Contemporary Perspectives
Family and Marital Problems in Africa; Historical and Current Perspectives
Perceptions of Marital and Relationship Problems; African Indigenous Approaches to Treatment
Religious and Faith-Based Mental Health Providers
How Do Africans View Going to a Professional Psychotherapist?
The History of Western Systemic Family Therapy in Africa
Recent Trends in the Application of Systemic Family Therapy in Africa
Systemic Family Therapy Research in Africa
The Clinical Fit of Western Family Therapy Models in African Cultures
Case Application
Family Therapy and the Years Ahead in Africa; Reflections On Research and Practice Agenda
Final Reflections; Three Key Takeaways
References
13 The Development of Cambodian Family Therapy
Background
Reconstruction of Higher Education in Cambodia
Internationalization of Family Therapy
Implications for a Global Transfer of Knowledge
Knowledge Fair Trade
First Steps: Training Design
Learning By Doing: The Course Reality
Adapting New Learning Culture
Learning From Peers
Decolonial Research Practice
Research
Findings
“And They Really Deeply Believe in That Kind of Thing”
“They Gonna Burn the Spirit Out of Them”
“That’s a Form of Family Therapy That Has Been Practiced for Ages”
“Not to Challenge It, But Just to Understand”
“I Can See It’s Useful, Because It’s the Faith Or Belief of the People”
“It Helps People to Have a Sense of Belonging”
“Are You Going to Work With the Crazy People?”
Conclusions
Religion, Spirituality, and Rituals
Dealing With Stigma
Transmodern Practice
Take Up Local Knowledge Production
References
14 Taiwanese Couples and Families: Current Treatment Perspectives
Introduction
Specific Cultural Characteristics of Taiwanese Families/Couples and Clinical Implications
Filial Piety
Enqing
Sacrifice
Tolerance
Common Relationship Issues Among Taiwanese Heterosexual Couples
Different Forms of Couplehood and Their Clinical Implications
Singlehood and Childlessness
Same-Sex Couples
Transnational Couples
The Current State of Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) Development in Taiwan
The Future of Couple and Family Therapy in Taiwan: Reflections On Likely Future Advancements in the Research Agenda
Three Key Takeaways
References
15 Bosphorus Connecting Europe and Asia: Couple and Family Therapy in Turkey
Introduction
The Need for a Comprehensive Mental Health Law
Development of CFT in Turkey
Training Programs
Backgrounds of Professionals Practicing Couple and Family Therapy in Turkey
Development of Specific Models and Specialties in Turkey
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Medical Family Therapy
Person of the Therapist Model
Feminist Family Therapy (FFT)
Collaborations With Social Services/NGOs
Publications and Research
Conclusion and Future Directions
“3 Keys”
References
16 The Therapeutic Dance of Bowenian Therapy and South Asian Families: Issues to Consider
South Asian-Indian Families
Applicable Bowen Concepts
Differentiation of Self
Emotional Triangles
Nuclear Family Emotional Process
Family Projection Process
Multigenerational Transmission Process
Sibling Position
Emotional Cutoff
Societal Emotional Process
Treatment Plan
Interventions
Healthy Functioning
Clinical Example/Application
Clinical and Research Implications
Resources and Further Reading
Three Important Takeaways
References
Section III Specific Applications with International Populations
17 Medical Family Therapists Working With Culturally Diverse Patients Using the Bio-Psychosocial-Spiritual Model With Chronically and Terminally Ill Patients and Their Families
Introduction
Purpose
Medical Family Therapy
Cultural Influences On Illness
Agency and Communion: A Global Perspective
Experience of Chronic Illness Across Different Cultures
MedFT Responses to Chronic Illness
Experience of Terminal Illness Across Different Cultures
MedFT Responses to Terminal Illness
Culturally Sensitive Assessments Utilizing the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model
Biological Dimension
Biological Assessment Tools
Psychological Dimension
Psychological Assessment Tools
Social Dimension
Social Assessment Tools
Spiritual Dimension
Spiritual Assessment Tools
Assessment Availability in Different Languages
Case Example
Biological Domain
Psychological Domain
Social Domain
Spiritual Domain
Implications for Clinicians
Conclusion
References
18 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Global Practices
Introduction
SFBT as a Culturally Sensitive Approach
Importance of Language in SFBT and in Culture
Co-construction
Elements of Dialogue
International Application of SF Tenants
Resource-Based
Exceptions
Elements of Dialogue
Cultural Attunement
Future Research Directions
References
19 Bridging Training and Experiences: Expanding Clinical Practices With Latinx Communities
Introduction
Inclusive Language
Where We Stand
Encompassing the Uniqueness of Latinx Culture
Holistic Advocacy as an International Family Therapist
Clinical Case Example
Authors Reflection Statement
Case Description
Authors Reflection Statement
Case Description
Three Key Takeaways
Conclusion
References
20 Recommendations for Working With Trauma Within Incarcerated Couples and Families
Introduction
Impacts of Incarceration of Families
Children
Coparents and Caregivers
Romantic Partners
The Intersection of Trauma and Incarceration
Medical Family Therapy
Trauma Informed Care
Clinical Implications
Stigma
Future Directions
References
21 Addressing Technology Misuse In Relationships: A Cross-Cultural Therapeutic Perspective
Introduction
The Role of Nuance and Culture in Perceived Technology Misuse
Determining Cultural Effects of Technology On Relationships
Standardized Assessments
Informal Assessment of Culturally Informed Impact On Structure and Process
Bringing Couples Together in Establishing Technological Values
Conclusion
References
22 Cross-Cultural Technology Use in Maintaining Romantic and Familial Relationships
Introduction
Maintaining Healthy Relationships
Technology and Relationship Maintenance in U.S. Samples
Technology and Relationship Maintenance in Multinational Samples
Purpose and Research Question
Methods
Theoretical Perspective
Participants
Procedures
Analysis
Rigor
Findings
How Structure of Relationships Intersects With Cultural Technology Usage
Roles Change With Technology
Rules About Technology in Personal Relationships
Boundaries About Technology Use in Relationships
Using Technology to Regulate Closeness and Distance
Discussion
Cultural Differences/Universalities Using a Universal Tool
Implications for Practice
Limitations
Future Research
References
23 Experientialism: Finding Unconditional Positive Regard in a World of Chaos
Introduction
History and Theoretical Formation
Virginia Satir
Carl Whitaker
Intersectional and Cross-Cultural Adaptability
Neuroscience of Experiential Therapy
Case Study: A Snapshot
Research Agenda
Three Key Takeaways
References
24 Immigrant and Refugee Families: Theory and Practice
The Immigrant Experience
Acculturation
The Refugee Experience
Strength and Resilience in Immigrant and Refugee Families
Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Therapy Are Critical
The Mismatch With Current Clinical Approaches in the Field
Working With Immigrants and Refugees
Addressing Trauma: Research and Practice
Trauma Is a Relational Experience
Interpersonal Neurobiology of Therapy
Addressing Acculturative Disparities
The Yusuf Family
Language Barriers
Racialization of Identity
Transnational Characteristic
Role of the Clinician
Challenging Homogeneous Assumptions
A Witness of Experience
A Multiculturally Competent Professional
An Advocate
Ethical Considerations
Future Steps for Research
Takeaways
References
25 Systemic Therapy in Central and South America: Past, Present, and Future
Introduction
Brief Description of the Cultural Contexts of the Involved Countries
How Did Systemic Therapy Begin and Become Rooted in Central and South American Countries?
What Is Currently Happening With Systemic Therapy in Central and South American Countries?
Future Outlook
Acknowledgements
References
26 Risks and Side-Effects in Systemic Family Therapy
Introduction
Many Reasons for Negligence…
Constructivism
Systems Theory
The Medical Vs. the Contextual Model of Psychotherapy
What Are the Risks and Side-Effects of Psychotherapy?
What Do We Know About the Prevalence of Risks and Side-Effects?
What Possibilities Do We Have to Measure Risks and Side-Effects and Collect Data Regarding Those Phenomena?
Are There Specific Risks and Side-Effects of Systemic and Family Therapies?
Results of an Exploratory Focus-Group Investigation
1. 1. Dynamic Dialogue Process
1. 2. Side-Effects
1. 3. Sources of Side-Effects
1. 3. 5. The Client Is the Cause
1. 3. 6. It Is the Therapist’s Fault
1. 4. Mitigation of Side-Effects/best Practices
1. 4. 2. Sensitivity, Reflexivity, and Listening
1. 4. 3. Treating the System Well
Concluding Annotations
Notes
References
27 Interracial Couples: Clinical Considerations for a Contemporary World
A Modern Experience
Introduction
The Past Is Not Dead
It Is Not Even Past
An Ode to The Future
Implications for Clinical Practice
Implications for Research
Conclusion
References
Resources
28 Sino-American Family Therapy: A Chinese Perspective On Traditional Western Family Therapy Methods
The History of Sino-American Family Therapy
The Seven-Step Team Family Therapy Protocol (SSTFT)
Step 1: The Pre-Session Briefing With the Team
Step 2: The Family Session
Step 3: Team Break and Construction of a Team Message
Step 4: Team Metalogue in the Presence of the Family Or Client System
Step 5: Post-Team Family Reaction and Intervention Construction
Step 6: Appreciative Inquiry Interview With Family
Step 7: Post-Session Supervisory Discussion With the Lead Therapist and the Team
Case Examples
Case Example 1: Family Therapy for School Refusal of 16-Year-Old Daughter
Case Example 2: Po Xi Wen Ti (The Mother-In-Law Problem)
Case Example #3: Child School Behavior Problem
Conclusion
References
29 An Adaptive Application of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) With Iranian Immigrant Couples
Theory Introduction
Attachment Theory
EFT as a Culturally Informed Model
Theory Approach to Functional and Dysfunctional Relationships
Therapy Goals and Applications
Stigma
Help-seeking Barriers
Challenges Faced By Iranian Immigrant Couples
Infidelity
Birth
Infertility
Case Example: Infidelity
Case Example: Infertility
Case Example: Postpartum Depression
Future Research
Three Takeaways
Resources and Additional Reading
References
30 Yoruba Nigerian and European-American Couples: International Considerations for Therapy
Global Migration and Intercultural Marriage
Background On Nigerian/European American Couples
Migration and Residence of Nigerian/European American Couples
Cultural Bases for Expectations of Partners
Cultural Similarities
Cultural Differences
Interracial Romantic Attraction and Partner Selection
Initial Attraction
Courtship and Value Comparison
Marriage and Role Adjustments
Navigating Cultural Differences
Case Example
Cross-Cultural Clinical Applications
Therapist Cultural Awareness and Knowledge
Assessing How Well Couples’ “We” Is Working
Ongoing Navigation of Cultural Differences
Safety and Conflict Escalation
Future Research
References
31 Practicing Couple Therapy in the Middle East: Arab- and Muslim-Related Critiques and Clinical Considerations
Introduction
Diverse Identities in the Middle East
Linguistic Identities in the ME
Ethnic Identities in the ME
Sacred Identities in the Middle East
Mental Health Globally and in the ME With Arab Muslims
Factors Affecting MH-Seeking Behaviors in the ME
MH Treatment Using MH Services
Factors Affecting Couple Relationships in the ME for Arab Muslims
Marriage and Fulfilling Half of One’s Religion
Gender Equity and Justice
Family Involvement in Couple Relationships
Clinical Considerations With Arab Muslim Populations in the ME
Linguistic Considerations
Ethnic, Racial, and Cultural Considerations
Religious Considerations
Gendered Considerations
Reflection On Future Research
Resources and Further Reading
References
32 Towards a Bicultural Parenting Model for South Asian Immigrant Parents
Introduction
Contextual Understanding of South Asian Approaches to Parenting
Contextual Understanding of the Western Approaches to Parenting
South Asian Immigrants’ Perceptions of American Parenting
Parenting Experiences of South Asian Immigrants and Outcomes of Second-Generation Children
Towards a Model of Bicultural Parenting
Research Agenda & Implications: Reflections
Resources and Further Reading
Three Takeaways
Conflict of Interest
References
33 An Integration of Collaborative Language Systems and Symbolic Experiential Family Therapy With Transnational Families
Introduction
Clinical Considerations With Transnational Families
Ambiguous Loss
Acculturative Stress & Ambiguous Loss
Transgenerational Transmission and Racial Trauma
Theoretical Foundation – An Integrative Postmodern Experiential Approach
Application With Transnational Families
Clinical Examples/Application of this Integrative Approach
Nicole’s Experience
Loette’s Experience
Areas for Future Research and Clinical Consideration
Three Key Takeaways
Resources and Further Reading
References
34 Relational Resiliency in an Age of Digital Chaos: Collective Strategies for Prevention and Healing in an Electronic World
Introduction
Resiliency Toward Technology
Purpose
Collective Relational Resiliency Defined
Using Technology to Foster Collective Relational Resiliency
Future Directions
Three Key Takeaways
References
Afterword
Index