UNIVERSIDAD DE LAS AMÉRICAS, A.C.

Ciudad de México

WORKSHOP PRACTICE MANUAL PC-384

Brief Therapy

Fall 2007

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Licenciatura en Psicología PC 384 BRIEF THERAPY

M-J

Date Session Practice

Ma 14 Ago 1 Perspectiva histórica

Ju 16 Ago 2 Terapia breve y terapia tradicional

Ma 21 Ago 3 Principios básicos de las terapias breves

Ju 23 Ago 4 Terapia estratégica breve

Ma 28 Ago 5 Comunicación terapéutica

Ju 30 Ago 6 Visión estratégica del cambio

Ma 04 Sep 7 La entrevista inicial

Ju 06 Sep 8 La postura del paciente X

Ma 11 Sep 9 La planificación del caso

Ju 13 Sep 10 Las intervenciones

Ma 18 Sep 11 Estudio de casos

Ju 20 Sep 12 Estudio de casos

Ma 25 Sep 13 Estudio de casos

Ju 27 Sep 14 Terapia Familiar Estructural (Minuchin)

Ma 02 Oct 15 Estructuras familiares X

Ju 04 Oct 16 Examen medio semestre

Ma 09 Oct 17 La familia en terapia

Ju 11 Oct 18 La reconstrucción de la familia

Ma 16 Oct 19 Técnicas de intervención

Ju 18 Oct 20 Técnicas de intervención

Ma 23 Oct 21 Casos clínicos

Ju 25 Oct 22 Casos clínicos X

Ma 30 Oct 23 Terapia enfocada en soluciones

Ju 01 Nov 24 Reconstrucción del problema

Ma 06 Nov 25 Construcción de soluciones

Ju 08 Nov 26 Estudio de casos X

Ma 13 Nov 27 Estudio de casos

Ju 15 Nov 28 Terapia familiar sistémica

Ma 20 Nov 29 Formato de la entrevista

Ju 22 Nov 30 Técnica de la entrevista

Ma 27 Nov 31 Prescripciones

Ju 29 Nov 32 Casos clínicos

Ma 04 Dic 33 Repaso, guía de examen Examen final

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INTRODUCTION

BRIEF (STRATEGIC) THERAPY Brief Therapy (BT), usually associated with Family Therapy, is an expedient method of problem resolution. Although its name was coined by the Mental Research Institute team (MRI),1 included in this model are the works of Steve de Shazer and William O’Hanlon.2 BT assumes an underlying systemic/cybernetic epistemology: - General Systems Theory alleges the interdependent dynamics of any system. The behavior of any member in a interdependent context (e.i. the family) affects and alters all others’ behavior. - Cybernetic Theory rests on feedback loops. Any given system self-regulates by feeding itself information on how to behave (governing rules). When doing BT, the above mentioned principles apply, thus de-emphasizing the importance of the client, who could be the family, the couple, or the individual. BT concerns itself with problems and solutions; expediency refers to the shortest (brief) road to solving the problem at hand. The MRI group stresses the importance of defining the problem; identifying whom it directly affects as well as how; recognizing unsuccessful, repetitive solutions; and setting goals in order to create the adequate solution. Solution Focused Therapies (de Shazer, O’Hanlon) also look toward the most economic route to problem solving, underscoring the solution itself. The Miracle Question and Exceptions are outstanding techniques in SFT. What constitutes the brevity of BT is the necessity to implement the ‘strategies’ swiftly before they lose their influence on the client. Four practicum proposals follow to exemplify main techniques of these models to aid the student in his understanding of Brief Therapy. The following material includes practical activities with a length of 16 hours during the semester. Every activity must be carried out as indicated in the manual (classroom and/or field work). Review of materials and discussion will be carried out in the classroom. Helen Selicoff Ph.D. 1 R.Fisch, J.H.Weakland & L.Segal 2 Solution Focused Therapy

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COMPETENCES TO BE ACQUIRED

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the brief therapy field identifying its principles, concepts and

clinical interventions in different scenarios At the end the student will have acquired the following competencies: a) Knowledge:

• Identify Brief Therapy characteristics • Contrast the approaches of Brief Therapy and traditional therapy

b) Procedural:

• Will design clinical intervention sessions according to the models reviewed • Will conduct clinical intervention sessions according to the models reviewed

c) Attitude:

• Will show respect to patients • Will show empathy during the intervention • Will be objective during the guided interview

EVALUATION CRITERIA At the end the student must have delivered 100% of the reports accordingly to the procedural competencies of the practices reviewed

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CONTENTS

Introduction ….. 2 Competentes to be acquired ….. 3 Practice 1. ….. 5 Role Play: Problem Identification Practice 2. ….. 6 Role Play: Strategy Development Practice 3. ….. 7 Invitation to a potential client Practice 4. ….. 8 Case Analysis

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WORKSHOP PRACTICE

Licenciatura en Psicología PC 384 BRIEF THERAPY

Professional Area: Clinical Psychology

PRACTICUM I Role Play: Problem Identification LOCATION: Classroom and/or field work LENGTH: 4 Hours OBJECTIVE: The objective herein involved is to simulate a first interview,

using the MRI model to identify the problem presented by the client. Once successfully defined, the ill-fated repetitive attempts at solution will be explored. This session will prepare the student-therapist for the following practicum in which he/she will devise a strategy to be delivered to the client.

ACTIVITIES The interview will last approx. 50 minutes. The other students, along with the instructor will carry out a sort of supervision; all may comment, question, and offer alternative intervening corresponding to this first session (one hour duration). REPORT The student will:

• Produce reaction papers containing reflections on the prior process.

• Elaborate the theoretical frame supporting reflections

• Elaborate a written report with the most important conclusions of the group discussion

• Conclusions and suggestions

Professor’s observations: Grade: Professor’s name and signature

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WORKSHOP PRACTICE

Licenciatura en Psicología PC 384 BRIEF THERAPY

Professional Area: Clinical Psychology

PRACTICUM II: Role Play: Strategy Development

Bowen’s Family Therapy Model LOCATION: Classroom and/or field work LENGTH: 4 Hours OBJECTIVE: The objective herein involved is to simulate a second interview,

continuing with the MRI model, in which the student-therapist is prepared to devise a strategy to be delivered to the client in the way of a homework assignment.

ACTIVITIES The interview will last approx. 50 minutes. During the supervisory phase (same as Practicum I), special attention will be given to the clients’ acceptance of the strategy as well as additional comments on the therapeutic process. Once again, the entire group is encouraged to participate with their ideas. Supervision lasts one hour. REPORT: The student will:

• Produce reaction papers containing reflections on the prior process.

• Elaborate the theoretical frame supporting reflections

• Elaborate a written report with the most important conclusions of the group discussion

• Conclusions and suggestions

Professor’s observations: Grade: Professor’s name and signature

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WORKSHOP PRACTICE

Licenciatura en Psicología PC 384 BRIEF THERAPY

Professional Area: Clinical Psychology

PRACTICUM III: Role Play or Invitation to a potential Client LOCATION: Classroom and/or field work LENGTH: 4 Hours OBJECTIVE: The objective herein involved is to simulate a first interview

practicing the techniques of SFT, emphasizing the use of the Miracle Question and the Exception Question. While this approach shares many elements of the MRI model, the onus is on problem solution rather than problem definition.

ACTIVITIES The interview will last approx. 50 minutes. During supervision (one hour duration): the student-therapist will receive the usual group feedback; the students will be encouraged to create their own questions; an array of other techniques will be explored. REPORT: The student will find relevant bibliography supporting the theme discussed. The written report will include bibliographical review, personal and group contributions, discussion and relevant conclusions. Professor’s observations: Grade: Professor’s name and signature

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WORKSHOP PRACTICE

Licenciatura en Psicología PC 384 BRIEF THERAPY

Professional Area: Clinical Psychology

PRACTICUM IV: Case Analysis LOCATION: Classroom and/or field work LENGTH: 4 Hours OBJECTIVE: The objective herein involved is to view (at home) 2 video

tapes, respectively on MRI and SFT therapy sessions; a discussion will ensue in class. One session will be dedicated to MRI and the following one to SFT.

ACTIVITIES: As a group, the discussion will focus on a critical analysis of the techniques applied. The participants will offer alternatives they would carry out in order to exercise their learning experience of the past practicum sessions. They will be encouraged to be creative and imaginative in their offerings. REPORT: The student will find relevant bibliography supporting the theme discussed. The written report will include bibliographical review, personal and group contributions, discussion and relevant conclusions. Professor’s observations: Grade: Professor’s name and signature