Experiential Family Therapy and Narrative Family Therapy
Walden University
NRNP-6650
Narrative Family Therapy and Experiential Family Therapy
Introduction
Imagery, role-playing, activities, and props used in experiential family therapy to help family members relive specific life experiences. According to narrative family therapy, people have stories they can tell about challenges and problems that help them organize their thoughts and reality (McKernan, 2019). The two approaches are beneficial because they aid in the elimination of underlying issues that can affect individuals and families. Therapists should exercise caution because the models have both strengths and weaknesses that can jeopardize the quality of outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to look at the similarities and differences between experiential and narrative family therapy, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
Summary
Experiential family therapy makes use of imagery, role-playing, activities, and props to help family members relive specific life events. The goal is to deal with underlying family issues. It allows clients to experience situations from their point of view (McKernan, 2019). It encourages family members to express their emotions and thoughts in order to gain new insights that can help to improve family dynamics. Another goal of experiential family therapy is to improve communication and expression between family members (Russell & Gillis, 2017). It allows clients to relive past experiences, allowing suppressed negative feelings that could lead to poor behavior to surface.
According to narrative family therapy, people have stories they can tell about challenges and problems that help them organize their thoughts and reality. When clients tell their stories, they can gain a more objective perspective on their experiences (Russell & Gillis, 2017). It considers the challenges to be independent of an individual. It Helps individuals in managing their skills and abilities in order to reduce the issues that cause conflict in families. During treatment, therapists believe that clients are the experts in their own lives. Therapists Help and guide patients through the healing process (Russell & Gillis, 2017). It contends that clients have a better understanding of themselves and the problems they are facing. Therapists Help families or individuals in understanding how their experiences impacted a relationship and how they can improve the bond again.
Comparison
The expression of emotions among family members is the focus of experiential and narrative family therapies. The models attempt to comprehend the issues that affect family members (DeMille & Montgomery, 2016). The goal of the two approaches is to improve communication and expression in order to solve problems.
Experiential therapy is characterized by role-playing, drawing, and imagery, whereas narrative family therapy is characterized by verbal expression or narration. According to experiential therapy, underlying issues and suppressed emotions are major causes of dysfunction (DeMille & Montgomery, 2016). Individuals, according to narrative family therapy, are distinct from their experiences.
Weaknesses and Strengths
Family Experiential Therapy
Experiential family therapy provides clients with a safe environment in which to express their emotions. It enables therapists to identify the subconsciously manifesting thoughts and emotions (Tadros et al., 2019). Because they are not involved in verbal communication, clients can express their genuine thoughts and emotions. Clients can find appropriate ways to express themselves through alternative means of expression. Identifying the underlying issues allows clients to improve their self-esteem (Tadros et al., 2019). Experiential family therapy has limitations because clients may not express themselves authentically. Some clients may be resistant to a therapist’s suggestions. – Thesis Writing Service In Canada
Family Narrative Therapy
The expression of issues allows clients to recognize that they are separate from their problems. It helps them understand that their problems do not define or limit them. It encourages people to take control of their actions and develop a sense of responsibility (Tadros et al., 2019). Clients learn that their experiences should not be viewed solely as negative, but that there are positive aspects to the situations as well.
The model has flaws because some clients are hesitant to share their experiences. Some clients may be dishonest about their life experiences (McKernan, 2019). When clients are aware that they are sharing in the presence of a stranger, they may be less genuine.
Family Experiential Therapy
A family involved in a fire lost all of their belongings as well as one adopted child. Traumatic events can have an impact on the emotions and thoughts of family members. Subconscious thoughts will influence family communication and dynamics (Russell & Gillis, 2017). A therapist will allow the participants to role-play or reenact the events. As the family members reenact the events, unconscious emotions will emerge. It will be simple to guide a family toward healing once suppressed emotions emerge. Experiential Family Therapy and Narrative Family Therapy – Thesis Writing Service In Canada
Conclusion
Experiential family therapy encourages family members to express their feelings and thoughts in order to gain new insights that can help improve family dynamics. According to experiential therapy, the major causes of dysfunction are underlying issues and suppressed emotions. It encourages people to take control of their actions and to accept responsibility for their actions. Therapists must exercise caution because some clients may be unable to express themselves effectively through actions or narration. An experiential family therapy example demonstrates how underlying emotional issues affect communication and dynamics. Individuals should work to resolve the underlying issues that influence their emotions and behavior.
The Family Genogram
The Hanns family genogram is shown below.
GENOGRAM OF THE FAMILY
Genogram of the family
Subject: Hanns family
References
S. M. DeMille and M. Montgomery (2016). A case study of incorporating narrative family therapy into an outdoor behavioral healthcare program. 3-13 in Contemporary Family Therapy, 38(1).
C. J. McKernan (2019). Couples and families benefit from Gestalt Experiential Therapy. 1289-1291 in the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. – Thesis Writing Service In Canada
Russell, K. C., and H. L. Gillis (2017). Adolescent mental health treatment with experiential therapy. 4(1), 1695, Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs.
Tadros, E., Cappetto, M., & Kaur, L. (2019). Narrative therapy and naltrexone are being used to treat the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 47(2), 87-101.
