Integrative Multilevel Family Therapy for Disputes Involving Child Custody and Visitation (IMFT-DCCV): An Interview With Jay Lebow

Abstract

This article presents the integrative multi-level family therapy of Jay Lebow, focusing on his work in resolving disputes involving child custody and visitation. The interview addresses interventions in high conflict divorces, assessment issues, and symmetrical escalation. A case study is offered.

Integrative Family Counseling

“…Literature regarding the benefits of integrative theory tends to support the “two is better than one” perspective, noting that integrative theory is superior to unilateral theories because it provides therapists with a wider array of available perspectives and techniques to meet the diverse needs of their clients (Breunlin et al, 2011; D’Aniello, 2015; Gutierrez, Carlson, Daire, & Young, 2017; Onedera, 2006). Essentially, integration is thought to represent higher order theorizing, benefiting therapists and clients alike by drawing from various empirically supported treatment approaches (Breunlin et al, 2011; D’Aniello, 2015; Onedera, 2006). Because clients present with a range of clinical issues, belong to diverse cultures, and are at different developmental stages, enhanced flexibility and a wider collection of theoretical approaches with which to work may increase the likelihood of therapeutic efficacy for each client’s needs (D’Aniello, 2015; Nielson, 2017).…”

“…Research into specific integrative models suggests that integration can yield significant treatment gains in marriage and family therapy (Briggs et al, 2015; Gutierrez et al, 2017; Roddy et al, 2016). For example, integrative multilevel family therapy has been shown to work well with adults with personality disorders, children with personality disorders or conduct disorders, and individuals involved in high-conflict and low-conflict divorce or custody cases (Onedera, 2006). IBCT produced a clinically significant increase in relationship satisfaction that was shown to persist for at least 5 years after treatment, with benefits further extending to individual, coparenting, and child functioning (Briggs et al, 2015; Roddy et al, 2016).…”

“…The relationship a therapist has with a client and the client’s system is crucial to the healing process. In IST, there is constant attention toward building and maintaining a strong alliance with all parties involved in the process (Onedera, 2006). This alliance allows for safety, empathy, and support to be present in the sessions.…”

“…The use of explicit goal setting not only helps the client but also helps the therapist. By creating a layout of what the problem is, what the clients are willing to work on, and how to work on the issue prevents the sessions from becoming too overwhelming and confusing (Onedera, 2006). Since any relational system consists of various parts, each with their unique background, it is vital to establish a goal for the current problem.…”

Ethical and Legal Considerations When Obtaining Informed Consent for Treating Minors of High-Conflict Divorced or Separated Parents

“…High-conflict divorce and separation creates a host of psychosocial stressors for all involved (Amato, 2001; Doolittle & Deutsch, 1999; Fincham, Grych, & Osborne, 1994). Minors whose parents are in high conflict may especially benefit from supportive therapeutic services at the time of and following divorce or separation (Lebow, 2003; Onedera, 2006). The minor’s treatment experience and needs however are often complex and complicated by their parents’ distrust and acrimony (Johnston & Campbell, 1988).…”