Selected Essays And Book Reviews
COUN 612 - Theories and Techniques of Counseling I
Lessons 24. Family Therapies: Haley {456 words}
1. Discuss the theory of families according to Haley. Within families, individuals organize into systems to accomplish functions. People behave repetitively (economically) in sequences. Individuals are motivated to preserve system stability, even to the point of self-sacrifice. By observing many sequences of behavior, we can infer that a hierarchy exists. Note: We observe sequences; we infer hierarchies.
2. Discuss the causes of problems according to Haley. Coalitions across generation lines of a hierarchy (note: we infer coalitions by observing sequences). He believes that the power levels in the family are what get messed up. Haley begins each case by assuming that there is a break between parents and a coalition between one parent and one child.
3. Discuss therapy according to Haley. His goal is to realign the hierarchies by destabilizing the system and building better hierarchies. He wants to change sequences such that the symptoms disappear, thus solving the presenting problem (called problem-solving therapy). Success is achieved if the presenting problem is solved. If failure happens, it is the fault of the therapist, not the client.
4. Discuss the process of therapy according to Haley. The therapist enters the system, determines repetitive sequences, and specifies goal. Change occurs in steps -- stable problematic system, unstable problematic system, and stable non-problematic system. Then, the therapist must terminate the relationship.
5. Discuss the techniques of therapy according to Haley. The techniques are:
A. Give directives (to change sequences, and therefore to change hierarchies).
(1) Purposes of giving directives: directives intensify relationship with therapist and provide information about the family system's operations.
(2) To motivate the family to comply, use the direct approach or the indirect approaches.
(3) Be precise.
(4) Involve everyone.
(5) Have each person review his task.
(6) Ask what might prevent doing the task.
(7) Get a task report at the next meeting. Do not excuse failure.
B. Paradoxical directives (what Haley is known for but used only 5 percent of the time).
(1) When ambivalent.
(2) When other straightforward directives have failed.
(3) When the paradoxical directive will not endanger your credibility.
(4) When there are resistant clients.
(5) When maintaining gains when regression is likely.
(6) When there is an experienced therapist.
It is not as simple as it looks.
Tom of Bethany
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 25. Drawing It All Together: Summary of Main Points
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