Posted by DaisyM on January 1, 2004, at 14:23:09
In reply to Re: Family Evaluation - Medusa » Dinah, posted by jay on January 1, 2004, at 6:26:39
I have a caution around FS work -- it is very important that Therapists have a pretty complete view of the whole picture of the dynamics - Especially if they don't know/haven't met all of the members of the family. And there are children involved.
Example:
My son has an anxiety disorder. One of the issues that came out was that he was "afraid" (he was 11) of his father's angry outbursts. (Note: this child as never been hit, spanked, etc.) His Therapist recommended that he talk with his dad about how it made him feel. Ok, good recommendation except that Dad is on steroids for a chronic illness which cloud your judgement and limit your ability to control your emotions. Also, an 11-year-old has no sense of "timing." He of course tried to tell his dad about his feelings in the middle of an outburst and it was taken as disrespectful, which made it worse...it was a disaster. Ultimately dad felt horrible and even more guilty about being sick and child felt like he couldn't/shouldn't talk to dad. Therapist apologized to child and admitted it was a bad plan, he should have checked it out with mom (you think???) and they spent months undoing the damage.Clear communication is a very complicated concept. Sometimes there are real reasons not to express yourself.
poster:DaisyM
thread:295039
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031221/msgs/295408.html