Overview
The purpose of this assignment is for students to integrate the material covered this semester with a systemic application of MFT trauma treatment and approach.
Title Page.
Course Number and Name
Assignment name
Student Name and section number
Instructor Name
Vignette
Briefly describe a vignette. Using any of the relational vignettes provided this semester that contain a dyad, couple or a family (from films that were required or recommended, or vignettes that were provided for class role-plays or assignments). Students embellish the vignette and may add change and include a different trauma topic of choice such as: Sexual Assault; Racial Trauma; Incest; Domestic Terror; School Shootings; Bullying; Emotional Abuse, LGBTQIA+ Hate Crimes, Forced Separation in Immigrant Families, etc. Make sure that you find articles about trauma and your selected topic. Please do not select a vignette or topic that you or your family have experienced.
USE THIS VINGETTE (you can add a trauma topic listed above to this vingette)
Jeff has become withdrawn, is failing several classes, and has stopped attending track practice. Marissa says Jeff has been sleeping excessively and refuses to eat with the family. Tom, Jeff's father, thinks Jeff is just "being dramatic" and needs to "toughen up." The parents are divorced and live in separate homes. Jeff spends time at each home equally since age 7. Recently, Jeff posted a vague message on social media:
"I'm done. I can't dò this anymore." A teacher saw it and contacted the school counselor, who reached out to Marissa. The mother and son had already been attending therapy together for Jeff's anxiety. It is the 6th session and you are presented with this information.
Trauma Treatment Problems
Succinctly list the trauma treatment problems according to the trauma treatment (SR4) stages that we learned in this course: Safety, Relationship with therapist, Remembrance and trauma narrative processing, Reconnection to others and Resiliency, relapse prevention. In your list include each of the vignette members. For example what are the safety considerations for each member of the dyad, couple family etc. Clearly identify at least 2-3 specific examples of how broader social systems and issues of DEI may have influenced the experience of the dyad, couple or family in the vignette.
MFT Theory
Identify a systemic therapy model for the couple or family unit trauma treatment (EFFT, IFS, Bowen, Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, etc.) If the theory that has been used for trauma treatment provides a citation. Provide a rationale for why this model was selected for the presenting trauma problem/s and/or the unique dyad, couple or family system in the vignette. Provide DEI modifications and considerations. Support your selection with at least two peer reviewed articles on trauma and your theory of choice.
Systemic Conceptualization
Using language from the selected systemic therapy model, identify a systemic model – congruent hypothesis regarding the couple or family’s presenting problem/experience of trauma. How did the problem develop, how is it maintained within the family system, and how do relational dynamics support or hinder treatment? Be mindful of not pathologizing to any members of the family. Provide DEI modifications and considerations.
SR4 Trauma Narrative Processing Intervention
Identify a specific (SR4) intervention/technique that can be applied to assist the couple or family trauma narrative processing in the vignette. Provide DEI modifications and considerations. Please do not select a psychoeducation intervention.
Systemic Trauma Narrative Processing Intervention
Identify a specific systemic intervention that can be applied to assist the couple or family trauma narrative processing in the vignette. Provide DEI modifications and considerations. Please do not select a psychoeducation intervention
Summary: Compare and Contrast
Explain how the interventions complement each other and how they support a systemic and diversity-sensitive treatment plan
Reference Page
No bullet points
Required Reading
- Course textbooks and articles
- James, K., & MacKinnon, L. (2012). Integrating a Trauma Lens into a Family Therapy Framework: Ten Principles for Family Therapists. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 33(3), 189-209.
- This article provides an overview of the literature on family therapy and trauma, defines various types of trauma, and offers ten principles to guide family therapists in integrating a trauma lens into their work with families. It is available through Wiley Online Library and Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- At least two peer reviewed articles about the MFT theory of choice that specifically and explicitly address trauma.
Requirements
- APA style
- Unless listing is required narratives only and no bullet points
- Format: 500 – 750 words