Theoretical Orientation, Skill Practice

Needless to say, this behavior is not ordinary father daughter behavior in an initial counseling session. It alerted the student counselor that there was more going on here than was apparent on the surface. Although it would have been a mistake to draw attention to the foot stroking until she had built more of a relationship with the family and knew more about the dynamics, her observations led her to investigate a number of potential problem areas more thoroughly. Consistent with her supervisor’s theoretical orientation, she also determined that she would need to meet with members individually and perhaps in dyads to fully understand the coalitions in the family and the reasons for these coalitions.

The Body

The body of the family or couple interview, like the opening, is strongly in?uenced by the interviewer’s theoretical orientation. After hearing about the chief complaint, inquiry is directed toward central feelings, behaviors, and thoughts related to the problem areas. However, before going more deeply into these areas, it is appropriate to explain the theoretical orientation that guides your work, including the use of certain techniques, such as having everyone speak, assigning homework, listening skill practice, questionnaires, and so on. It is important, on an ongoing basis, to assess each person’s willingness to participate and/or cooperate with your strategies and plans.

Theoretical Orientations with Couples

There are many ways to approach working with couples. Some are based in the traditional theories of psychotherapy and some are more skill or value based, such as therapy speci?cally oriented toward improved sexual functioning or, in contrast, toward compliance with religious beliefs about how couples should relate to each other. Some examples follow.