Theory Integration
For narrative-collaborative and solution-focused therapies, primacy is given to clients’ own meaning-making of their family stories. In other words, change comes not from altering dysfunctional patterns of relating, but re-authoring the ways couples and families make meaning of their relationships. Consider the impact of such techniques if your theoretical orientation is more action-oriented in focus. Conversely, imagine the potential difficulties if narrative-collaborative is your chosen theory, but your clients are less inclined to talk about their problems and participate in this type of storytelling.
To prepare for this Discussion, select one of the theories demonstrated in the videos this week (either narrative-collaborative or solution-focused). Consider challenges you might encounter if you attempted to integrate the theory you selected with your theoretical orientation including, but not limited to, agency or private practice demands, ethical responsibilities, or theory incompatibility. Then, envision how you might mitigate these challenges by reflecting on those aspects of the theory that connect with you most and how you might capitalize on them.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 a brief description of one challenge you may encounter if you attempted to integrate the theory you selected with your main theoretical orientation in your future practice. Then, explain how you might mitigate this challenge.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Learning Resources

Required Resources
Media

Video: Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994). I’d hear laughter: Finding solutions for the family [Motion picture]. [With Insoo Kim-Berg]. United States: Psychotherapy.net.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Video: Psychotherapy.net. (Publisher). (1994). Irreconcilable differences: A solution-focused approach to marital therapy [Motion picture]. [With Insoo Kim-Berg]. United States: Psychotherapy.net.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Video: Allyn & Bacon. (Publisher). (2002). Narrative therapy with children. [Motion picture]. [With Steven Madigan]. United States: Psychotherapy.net.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Readings

Course Text: Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L.., & Snyder, D. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (5th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Chapter 2, “Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy”
Chapter 5, “Gottman Method Couple Therapy”
Course Text: Theory-Based Treatment Planning for Marriage and Family Therapists
Chapter 10, “Solution-Focused Therapy”
Chapter 11, “Narrative Therapy”

Article: Beyebach, M., & Morejon, A. R. (1999). Some thoughts on integration in solution-focused therapy. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 18(1), 24–42. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Article: Robbins, J. M., & Pehrsson, D. (2009). Anorexia nervosa: A synthesis of poetic and narrative therapies in the outpatient treatment of young adult women. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 4(1), 42–56. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Optional Resources

Readings

Book: Bitter, J. (2009). Solution-focused and solution-oriented therapy. Theory and practice of family therapy and counseling. Brooks/Cole: Belmont, CA.
Chapter 10, “Solution-Focused and Solution-Oriented Therapy”
Chapter 11, “Postmodernism, Social Construction and Narratives in Family Therapy”