Psychodynamic Theory and Family Counseling

Think about the potential differences between counseling couples and families and
counseling individuals. What knowledge might you glean from a couple or family in
counseling that you cannot garner from working with an individual? What types of
interventions or approaches can you institute with a couple or family in counseling that
you cannot with an individual?
This week, you will learn about the family as a system. Understanding the systems
process in a family is fundamental to the counseling process. You will evaluate the use
of psychodynamic theory and the associated techniques.
In this assignment, you will discuss the process of psychodynamic family counseling
and Bowen’s transgenerational approach. You will describe the common techniques
used by psychodynamic theorists and provide support for their use in marriage, couple,
and family counseling. You should also review all supplemental materials, and use the
rubrics as guides to help you complete the assignment. This assignment will count
toward your final grade and is due by Day 4, and is worth 75 points.
Directions
Review this week's Learning Resources and think about the different types of
psychodynamic family counseling. Also think about the techniques used by
psychodynamic theorists. Consider the learning resources and respond to the
following:
• Psychodynamic approaches have been criticized for having a strong historical
focus, the concern being families may focus on their history rather than present
issues and problems. What are the advantages and disadvantages of only
focusing on an historical approach?
• How would Murray Bowen or Nathan Ackerman respond to this criticism?
• Make a strong case for the value of genograms in therapeutic work.
• Reflect on your own transgenerational families and provide a reflection about
how the concepts of psychodynamic theory fit for your family of origin.