Discussion #1 Supervision and Family Therapy

Two challenges in family therapy are the acquisition and provision of appropriate supervision. Consider these two questions: 1.) You have taken an active interest in one of the theory-models we have covered in this course. Unfortunately, you have no easily accessible opportunities for direct supervision in your region. How might you proceed? Please be sure to incorporate the AAMFT, ACA or NASW Code of Ethics in your response. 2.) One year after earning your license as a therapist your supervisor comes to you and insists that you supervise a graduate student’s family therapy cases. Do you feel ethically and professionally equipped to supervise this student? Why or why not? Please be sure to incorporate the AAMFT Code of Ethics and either the ACA or NASW Code of Ethics in your responses.

Discussion #2 Premature Termination

You are a family therapist working with a family that includes two fathers and two teen-aged children, one male and one female. You have been seeing them on a weekly basis for the past six months. The family is making good progress with their issues but still have a long way to go. Unexpectedly, your agency “asks” you to take on a new role, with new responsibilities in a new clinic they are opening up in another part of the state. The good news is that this transfer represents a wonderful professional opportunity for you and you accept. The bad news is that start-up activities for the new clinic require you to show up for your new position in two weeks. You begin planning for the move and disengaging from your current responsibilities. How will you handle termination with this family? What are your ethical considerations? What will you do? Please be sure to incorporate the AAMFT Code of Ethics and either the ACA or NASW Code of Ethics in your response.

Discussion #3 Integrating Theory Models

Identify 2-3 theory models that we have covered in the course that (from your perspective) would integrate and support each other well. Comment upon how each theory’s strengths will complement each other from the perspectives of therapeutic alliance, conceptualization, intervention/treatment planning, and assessment.