Page 10 - NovDec16.FTM

MFT Reflections: Group Therapy and Technique
GROUP THERAPY WITH ADOLESCENTS
requires courage. It also requires a critical mass of adult maturity to counter the group mentality of teenagers. So, when the charge nurse asked if one
of her people, a social work student,
could sit in on a group, I was pleased that there would be another adult
in the room. The student was quiet,
but observant, throughout the entire session. Everyone seemed pleased with how the therapy proceeded.
I always insist on a staff wrap-up after the group to determine what can be learned from the experience. During
the wrap up, the student asked me why I hadn’t used a particular technique. Listening to her, it sounded like a good idea. I did not have a clue why I hadn’t used that technique and felt rather embarrassed. I would have to remember her suggestion for future reference.
Then, she asked me why I hadn’t used another, different technique. Again, I didn’t have a clue as to why I hadn’t
used that one either. I felt mortified
that I hadn’t thought of such good techniques at the time. As the week went on, this question bothered me and stayed with me.
Subsequently, I had supervision with Carl Whitaker, MD. I described the situation and explained how inadequate I felt having not used those techniques. Carl didn’t hesitate to respond, “William, technique is what people do until a therapist shows up.”
—William M. Boylin, MA
Correction: In the September/ October issue, author Lisa Tedeschi was listed as holding a PhD, but she holds an MA. We apologize for the error.
8 FAMILY THERAPY MAGAZINE
THREE QUESTIONS: DEVELOPING AAMFT'S USER'S GUIDE
Jeffrey B. Jackson, PhD
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US THE IMPORTANT PROJECT YOU COMPLETED FOR AAMFT?
I had the opportunity to work on the 2015 edition of the User’s Guide to the AAMFT Code of Ethics. One of the valuable contributions of AAMFT to the profession is the Code of Ethics. The AAMFT Code of Ethics was updated at the beginning of 2015 to reflect the
constantly evolving field of relational therapy.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE GUIDE?
Making ethical decisions when working with individual clients can be complicated and challenging; as relational therapists we know that these complexities and challenges tend to become amplified when working with couples and families. Accordingly, the Code of Ethics principles guide us in providing appropriate services and help us navigate the intricacies of relational work with clients.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BENEFITS FOR YOU AS A PROFESSIONAL
WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
One of the things I enjoyed most about working on the User’s Guide was
closely exploring the application of ethical principles to common and possible
clinical scenarios. One of the most difficult aspects of making ethical decisions
is that such decisions are rarely cut and dry; more often than not, making ethical
decisions is gray and requires considering and balancing many (sometimes
conflicting) principles and contexts. One of the things I valued the most during my
work was the process of having discussions with my co-author and fellow clinicians about how
to best manage the issues raised in the vignettes we worked on, mirroring the process of seeking supervision and consultation when faced with ethical issues in our work with clients. I believe hearing multiple voices and perspectives on how to manage difficult situations helps us identify the best way to manage those situations.