Family Therapy: Not Just for Kids - An Interview with Adriana Rodriguez, LMFT

Curt and Katie interview Adriana Rodriguez, LMFT about the tendency of therapists (even Marriage and Family Therapists) to avoid working with couples and families. We talk about the challenges in working with groups rather than individuals, how to identify the most appropriate treatment unit, and the benefits of working with adult families. We also discuss the importance of assessing power, privilege, intersectionality, and global context when working with both individuals and families.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we look at relationship therapy

Our friend, Adriana Rodriguez is returning to the podcast to talk about therapy for relationships, including couples and adult families.

Why do therapists avoid working with families and only work with individuals? 

·      There seems to be an aversion to working with groups rather than individuals

·      Avoiding overstimulation and conflict

·      Concerns about a lack of training

·      Not seeing adult family therapy as a typical treatment unit

·      Insurance and the medical model suggest that treatment is for an individual

·      Individualistic society of western culture

How can a therapist identify the most appropriate treatment unit?

·      Making sure to recognize that everyone has people that impact them

·      Working to identify the context and root causes of current concerns

·      Gathering the people around for accountability and vicarious healing

·      Identifying intergenerational transmission of trauma and of gifts

What can therapists do to support their clients most effectively?

·      Understanding the systems within which clients move

·      Looking at privilege, power, marginalization, and intersectionality

·      Understanding what is typically missed in treatment: that the system needs to be addressed before change can really occur

·      Looking for opportunities to engage family members in treatment

How can therapists better understand adult families?

·      Move away from compartmentalizing couples or family work

·      More in-depth genograms, with more context and self-reflection

·      Looking at how we interact with our clients and how we interact with the systems

·      Eco-map – the context around the client

·      Timeline – historic events happening during your client’s life around them

·      Incorporating accountability and compassion

·      Increasing understanding and compassion before inviting in the family members into session

·      Recognizing that many cultures have a strong focus and value related to family and honoring that in their healing process

·      Helping families and couples come together as “team” members rather than opponents

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Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/