The Effective Use of Enactments Infamily Theray: Discovery‐oriented Process Study

Abstract

In this investigation we examine the elements of enactments--in-session dialogues used to observe and modify family interactions in structural family therapy. Twenty-one videotaped segments of 18 therapy sessions with different families were used to compile detailed descriptions of therapist techniques and client responses. Enactments were analyzed as consisting of three distinct phases--initiation, facilitation, and closing--each of which required more numerous and complex interventions than are usually described in the clinical literature. Judges were able to reliably describe therapist interventions that led to successful enactments as well as what therapists did or failed to do that led to unproductive outcomes. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Attachment, Addiction, and Recovery: Conjoint Marital Therapy for Recovery from a Sexual Addiction

“…Recent publications have suggested the benefit of enactments in marriage and family therapy (Allen-Eckert, Fong, Nichols, Watson, & Liddle, 2001;Butler & Wampler, 1999;Butler & Bird, 2000;Butler & Gardner, 2003;Davis & Butler, 2004;Nichols & Fellenberg, 2000). Enactments are defined as "therapist behaviors which stimulate and guide couple interaction as opposed to channeling interaction through the therapist" (Butler, 1996, pp.…”

Development of the Family Therapy Enactment Rating Scale

“…When reliabilities were found to be relatively low, a second study was conducted in which the FTERS was revised and reliabilities were calculated with a different sample of 21 videotaped enactments and a new group of 6 undergraduate raters. While beginners may have trouble initiating enactments, experienced therapists may have trouble avoiding overmanaging them (Nichols, 1997). Findings on the FTERS were used to offer tentative guidelines for effective initiation and facilitation of enactments in family therapy sessions.…”

Enhancing Change Process in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy by Utilizing Couple Enactments

“…It is recommended that employment of enactments in couple therapy be the rule rather than the exception, but also caution should be taken against using enactments hastily by simply directing the couple to talk to each other, which is likely to lead to poorer outcomes and therapist abandonment of this core therapeutic skill (Nichols & Fellenberg, 2000). However, a solutionbuilding dialogue engaged within the context of a carefully developed and facilitated enactment is likely to achieve positive therapeutic outcomes by utilizing a collaborative climate to highlight and expand client strengths and resources while also fostering increased self-reliance, hope, and change expectancy.…”

“…Rather, it attempts to address a heretofore unexplored, potentially valuable therapeutic process for facilitating solution-building conversations in relational therapy. Although there will possibly be times when therapistcentralized solution building is presupposed (most likely to occur early in the therapeutic process), therapists should be cautioned not to underestimate the potential utility of enactments nor be ignorant of the core elements necessary for their success (Butler & Gardner, 2003;Davis & Butler, 2004;Nichols & Fellenberg, 2000).…”