Therapy Session Experience Review Essay -- Family Therapy, Family Coun

Our first session with the Smith family was very informative. The first 20 minutes of the session were the most noteworthy because of our effectiveness joining with the family and the depth of information we gained. This achievement is due, in part, to having all four of the Smiths take part in the session. Pinsof (as cited in Sprenkle, Davis, & Lebow, 2014) believes that having the entire family involved in the therapy sessions from the beginning gives the therapist a clearer understanding of the system and a more accurate understanding of the caper maintenance structure (p.39). As the Smith family entered the therapy room, Reginas tension was evident before the session officially began. As they were about to sit down, she quickly travel between George and dowse. During the session, I observed George making faces, rolling his eyes, and whisper comments to Rob. Rob would respond by making jokes about hurting George or threatening strong-arm gestures punching his fist into the pa lm of his other hand or moving a finger across his throat in a slashing motion. Afterward Rob would smile at Theresa and me and shrug his shoulders but George would act as though he hadnt participated in the exchange. Regina and Kevin did not acknowledge Georges behavior but would sigh or frown at Robs. This interaction would not have been observed if the entire family hadnt attended.The session began with a brief introduction of everyone in the room which was followed by an ice breaker activity. During a previous classroom demonstration, markers were used as an ice breaker with a young family (D. Baker, personal communication, run into 18, 2014). It was a simple action that created a connection so I adopted the practice. According to Patterson, ... ... Race, culture, and gender in clinical practice (2nd Ed.). New York, NY Guildford Press.Patterson, J., Williams, L., Edwards, T. M., Chamow, L., Grauf-Grounds, C. (2009). substantive skills in family therapy (2nd Ed.). New York, NY Guilford Press.Strengthening Families, (2014). Mormon.org. Retrieved from http//www.mormon.org/values/family.Sprenkle, J., Davis, S. D., Lebow, J. L. (2009). Common factors in couple and family therapy The overlooked foundation for effective practice. New York, NY Guilford Press.Taibbi, R. (2007). Doing family therapy Craft and creativity in clinical practice (2nd Ed.). New York, NY Guilford Press.Walsh, F. (2008). Spirituality, healing, and resilience. In M. McGoldrick and K. V. Hardy (Ed.), Re-visioning family therapy Race, culture, and gender in clinical practice (2nd Ed.) (pp. 61-75). New York, NY Guildford Press.