Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy

Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy

When solution-focused and cognitive behavioral family therapy proved effective with individuals, therapists began applying these approaches to families. However, it quickly became evident that the translation of these approaches from individuals to families was more difficult than expected. Consider how you can successfully apply these therapies to your client families. Is one approach more effective than the other? What are the challenges of using these therapeutic approaches with families?

This week, as you continue exploring therapeutic approaches and their appropriateness for client families, you examine solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. You also develop diagnoses for clients receiving psychotherapy and consider legal and ethical implications of counseling these clients.

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer.

· Chapter 12, “Family Therapy” (Review pp. 429–468.)

Nichols, M. (2014). The essentials of family therapy (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

· Chapter 10, “Cognitive-Behavior Family Therapy” (pp. 166–189)

· Chapter 12, “Solution-Focused Therapy” (pp. 225–242)

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Bond, C., Woods, K., Humphrey, N., Symes, W., & Green, L. (2013). Practitioner review: The effectiveness of solution focused brief therapy with children and families: A systematic and critical evaluation of the literature from 1990–2010. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 54(7), 707–723. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12058