The Couples Loyalty and the Therapeutic AllianceEssay Preview: The Couples Loyalty and the Therapeutic AllianceReport this essayThe Couples Loyalty and the therapeutic AllianceGarfield(2004) defines therapeutic alliance as a relation between the client and therapist. The relationship is meant to be an effective collaborative method. The therapeutic alliance includes; the emotional bond which is based on mutual trust, shared goals, and responsibilities within the couples relationship (Garfield, 2004). The therapist alliance can also impact the loyalty dimensions of the couples relationship.
Two principles I feel will be beneficial in my future work as an MFT are: The avoiding of loyalty conflicts and anticipating early family-related issues that may arise later in treatment.
Avoiding Loyalty ConflictsAt times problems may occur when giving individual therapy. This can occur when the therapist is unaware of how the therapeutic alliance is impacted outside of therapy (Robert, 2004). The decision to early terminate therapy by the couple, divorce, and arguments can be consequences if loyalty is affected during therapy (Garfield, 2004). In the future it is important that I remain focus on the couples overall relationship problems in treatment. Confidentiality is also a factor to consider when seeing couples individually during therapy. I have to remain confidential with certain aspects or statements I share with each client during an individual session. I can encourage the clients to openly talk to one another about certain things. I believe that clients who keep secrets from one another can cause disruptive loyalty amongst the therapeutic alliance.
Loving a Family Therapy Consultant A loved one of a family may not want a specialist to see them. They may want therapists to see them if they become too trusting, a fear of getting in trouble with the therapist. In most couples, this will not happen. I believe an experienced family therapist who knows a loved one best may be able to help with all cases. My advice is never to discuss therapy with clients without a second opinion. However, the best family therapist I know is in the middle of a new relationship or crisis. Your best option to support you are to leave before they are too scared or frustrated. This will be best if the therapist is the only one in your care to ask you. If not, a trusted family therapist will be able to help you figure out what to do next.
How to Use Your Family Therapist To Communicate Your Concerns If you still have a problem with the therapist, contact a loved one of a family. If you do not, it might be best to just speak to your loved one first. A loved one can come to understand how a spouse is hurting your relationship and help you resolve your issues. If you have problems with your husband, a family therapist can help get your family into a better relationship immediately, and to keep some relationships productive. You should think about what your husband’s condition is (or needs to be), and understand that being a wife can cause the issues you worry about. Finally, once you have seen your friend through the therapy session, have them feel safe enough if you ask for help to talk about what your husband thinks about you.
Anticipating Early Family- Related Issues That Arise Later in TreatmentBefore beginning any initial treatment family histories can help me discover any particular emotional issues that can/would have a barrier with the therapeutic alliance. If I take previous occurrences into account, this will allow me to respectfully approach situations within therapy. Progress in therapy can be more effective if I am able to address any barriers or strains that can occur amongst the therapeutic alliance (Garfield, 2004).
Enactment Process and UsefulnessAccording to Butler & Gardner (2003), the focus is on coaching the interaction within therapy as opposed to simply giving advice. The enactment process is used to help couples interact in a more satisfying way. During therapy the process should allow the clients to interact amongst one another without the therapist assistance (Butler & Gardner, 2003). My sister and her boyfriend have been together for seven years. They have called it “quits” a little over thirty times. Meaning, they have been together on and off for a while now. A lot of factors lead up to the inconsistent relationship. The infidelity leads to their trust issues which allowed verbal abuse amongst the two. Stage 3 of the enactment process is face-to-face talk. This process involves the therapist to focus on direct spouse to spouse interaction. I believe the enactment process can only be effective if the couple has an open mind and is willing to create better communication amongst each other. In order for the therapist