You will explore cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy. Cognitive behavioral theories are very popular in individual counseling and explore the role a person’s thoughts play in maintaining their adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.
When using CBT with families and couples, it is important to pay attention to the communication and rules within the family. You will observe the family members’ behaviors and attitudes toward one another and the impact of one’s thoughts, behaviors and emotions to those behaviors.
Narrative therapy is a postmodern approach where the counselor joins with the family to co-create the story the family lives and believes. This form of therapy helps the family change their point of view about themselves and their situations. It also allows family counselors to address and integrate issue of social justice if that is relevant for the family.
