Claire’s Case
Claire is a 10-year-old biracial female. You have seen her once before and now you are deciding how to work with her. Her parents are going through a divorce after her father cheated on her mother with another woman. Her mother and father do not get along but they are willing to work together for Claire. You find that when you talk to Claire, her mother tells her a lot of information about her father’s cheating. This makes Claire feel in the middle as well as protective of her mother. She says she does not like being with her father. You notice that perhaps she wants to spend more time with him but worried that her mother will be mad at her. She is also experiencing a lot of anxiety at school with grades and she thought she saw her father with the other woman at her school one time. Her father assures you that he has never brought anyone to the school and does not admit that he has a girlfriend. Claire’s grades are going down as she was an A/B student but now getting Cs and Ds on some tests. Her mother says she no longer wants to do any extracurricular activities (she played
soccer and the violin). She wants to stay at home with her mother. When you talk with Claire about what she does with her mother she says she enjoys watching movies with her but her mother is busy on the computer, on her phone, or doing stuff around the house like folding laundry. When she has to see her father they sometimes play outside but mostly he plays video games which they sometimes play together. Sometimes they watch movies but Claire notices her father on the phone smiling. She is almost certain this is the “other woman.” When this happens, Claire wants to go home immediately. She starts to feel sick: stomach hurts and head hurts especially.
I. Introduction
Give an overview of the information that you will present in your paper.
II. Description of Creative Strategy/Intervention
Describe the creative strategy. What materials does it require?
What credentials/training are required for counselors who use the creative strategy with clients/students?
How can the creative strategy benefit clients/students? What are some risks associated with its use?
Why did you choose the creative strategy for your work with Claire?
III. Professional Reflection
How does the strategy align with your theoretical orientation?
What are some multicultural factors that are important to consider when deciding if the strategy is appropriate for clients?
I will reflect on multicultural factors important to consider when deciding if the intervention is appropriate for clients or students like Claire.
II. Description of Creative Strategy/Intervention
For my work with Claire, I chose an integrative play therapy approach known as Filial Therapy (FT). It requires minimal materials including art supplies such as crayons and markers; files/folders; toys; dolls; puppets; books; therapeutic games or activities aimed at strengthening parent-child relationships. It includes engaging the parent(s) directly in fun family activities so that bonds can be formed outside of the therapy space where child-parent interactions are consciously managed by an experienced FT therapist who serves as an observer rather than director/facilitator during playtime sessions (McGee & Thomas, 2017). Credentials for therapists who use FT include advanced training in play therapy approaches such as Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Family Systems Theory (FST), Attachment Theory (AT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapies and Psychodynamic theories plus specialty training in FT modalities.
The primary benefit of FT is expectant: improved communication between parent(s) and child through supervised ‘play classes’ where adults learn new way to interact nonverbally with children while at home reducing parental stress levels often caused by frequent negative interactions within strained family relationships. This type of creative intervention also offers a sense of control over resolving feelings related to anger while teaching relaxation strategies which can lead to improved self esteem among other long-term beneficial outcomes being researched currently within psychology circles today (McGee & Thomas ,2017). As far as risks are concerned one should consider individual assessment results before applying any forms of play therapies since it has been noted that some children do not respond positively especially those dealing with severe trauma history or extreme family dysfunction issues which may require specialized treatments outside FT techniques first before utilizing it within their own therapeutical situation .
III Professional Reflection
My professional orientation is rooted primarily within Person Centered Approach focusing on unconditional positive regard coupled with Emotion Focused Therapy emphasizing strong emphasis on emotions versus behaviors towards creating meaningful connection points between therapist and clients/students like Claire . Integrative Play Therapy fits perfectly into these aforementioned models given its primary focus around providing direct parenting instruction within therapeutic setting leaving room for mutual exploration allowing client opportunity grow emotionally through experiential learning process supported by caregiver involvement too . Within this particular example there were multiple cultural components present ranging from ethnic background , gender bias , divorce dynamics all potentially carrying certain values associated therein impacting overall form interpersonal relationship formation thus requiring additional caution taken when applying any kind interactive interventions normalized only certain cultures specifically but could be misinterpreted someone else hence why diversity must kept forefront mind every step way throughout entire session plan process shifting focus off single group demographic towards more inclusive environment aiming embrace shared experiences all involved regardless origin system culture represented ..
When implementing Filial Therapy I provided clear understanding expectations guidelines began opening dialogue about sensitive topics surrounding mother father’s current predicament without placing blame either party instead attempting create safe space open conversation exploring possible resolutions addressing identified problem areas thus helping build foundation trust develop further establishing deeper rapport bond along journey ahead improving communication skills each thereby enhancing their collective ability handle future adversities together maintaining healthy relationship even after termination concluded successfully later down road .. Overall response intervention quite encouraging noticed significant shift attitude emotions expressed many aspects life demonstrating real concrete change attitudes behaviours displayed end result proving successful conclusion what first seemed be impossible task accomplished successfully collaboration hard work dedication invested effort everyone participating same goal betterment young lady under our care whom we guided path healing growth progress strength hope success rest life going forward ..
IV Conclusion
This paper discussed a creative strategy used for working with 10 year old biracial female named Claire whose parents were going through rough divorce due infidelity issue causing grief strife overall household atmosphere . Chosen method Filial Therapy integrated into existing theoretical orientations serving main aim assist improvement relational dynamic tense familial unit introducing ways foster emotional connection encourage meaningful dialogue paving route resolution conflicts arise time needed most offering flexibility customization fit individual needs assessed beforehand laying groundwork success achieved fulfilling desired objectives met satisfaction both consumers professionals alike project completed resulting measurable footprints left behind integral part her development maturation personal growth journey looking future brighter optimism light shining ever forward guiding steps surety courage confidence seeking lasting peace happiness helps reach bright tomorrow deserves attain ultimate goals fill full potential realized long term sustainable manner allows move beyond boundaries limitations imposed becomes self reliant free soar high head held proudly sky never underestimating capabilities strengths dreams accomplish great things come true .