Family Therapy section
From the New Directions in Family Therapy section of the Learn section from Module 7: Week 7, select 2 of the following models addressed: Solution-Focused Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, or Narrative Therapy. Discuss at least 2 differences between the two therapies with some detail. Note that postmodernism is a way of thinking about therapies and systems, not a formal therapy. Similarly, many feel that the collaborative approach and team approach used by social constructionists are techniques used in family therapy.
The first major difference between SFT and NT is the approach each takes for understanding clients' problems. In SFT, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify small focused goals that will lead to overall change, while in NT, the therapist attempts to deconstruct problem stories by questioning how they were created and identifying alternative ways of understanding them. This leads into a second big distinction between these two approaches - their primary focus when it comes to creating change. In SFT, interventions mainly focus on taking actionable steps towards solutions, while in NT they center around discussing problematic stories and interpreting them in new ways; this shift offers clients opportunities for greater insight into their experiences as well as more agency over what is expressed about themselves by others.
Additionally, there are differences in how sessions run from one approach to another; SFT typically requires shorter sessions than those conducted using an NT model due largely to its goal-oriented structure where little time is needed for reflection on past events or emotional exploration of current struggles. This means that SFT may be better suited for individuals who prefer solutions-oriented methods that provide swift resolution rather than open dialogue which may require more time investment before seeing results. On the other hand, NT's slower pace allows clients plenty of space for processing deeper layers of meaning connected to their narrative without having limited session duration pressure – making it better suited for those who feel they benefit more from long term therapeutic relationships or would like help developing self-compassionate outlooks on life’s challenges instead of immediate problem solving strategies.
Overall both philosophies share some fundamental similarities such as a recognition of internal strengths within family systems but ultimately differ greatly in terms of intervention techniques used and timeline expectations when creating change within families experiencing difficulty – making careful consideration necessary when deciding which approach best suits any particular situation at hand