The Puzzling Metaphor: Teaching General Systems Theory to Marriage and Family Therapy Trainees

Abstract

This article aims to connect the general systems theory (GST) principle of Holism and structural family therapy (SFT) to highlight commonalities between theories. This article will discuss primary concepts, family development, symptomology, process of change, and techniques of SFT in order to provide a basic overview of the theory. In an effort to provide a means for teaching marriage and family therapist trainees, an innovative strategy using metaphor will be introduced. The Puzzling Metaphor symbolizes the systems concept of holism in a visual representation coupled with SFT’s concepts and techniques to concurrently learn principles of both models.

“A Lot of Ghanaians Really Don’t Understand the Work We Do” – Cultural Adaptations and Barriers in Ghanaian Psychotherapy Practice

“…Family involvement is routine in the care of the severely mentally ill in Ghana (Read, 2016) and in India (Varghese et al, 2020). Family therapy is considered distinct from individual therapy and indicated for conduct problems in youth and the disruption of maladaptive communication, problem-solving, and conflict-management patterns in the family system (Tadros, 2020). The cultural adaptation of family sit-ins may blur the lines between the two therapeutic approaches.…”

The Pedagogical Potential of Podcasts: Using Digital Audio to Enhance Learning in Marriage and Family Counseling Courses

“…As such, this episode provides students with an informal and accessible overview of the theory, applications, and benefits of an important and widely used couples counseling approach. The informative and dynamic nature of this episode also holds the potential to reinforce course material in an engaging manner (Casado-Kehoe et al, 2011;Middleton, 2009), compliment empirical scholarship, and expand understanding of findings (King, 2022;Quintana & Heathers, 2021), inspire independent investigation into Gottman's research (Allen, 2019;Flanagan, 2015), and encourage ongoing learning (Godsey, 2016;Levitt, 2004;Tadros, 2020).…”

“…As such, this episode provides students with an informal and accessible overview of the theory, applications, and benefits of an important and widely used couples counseling approach. The informative and dynamic nature of this episode also holds the potential to reinforce course material in an engaging manner (Casado-Kehoe et al, 2011; Middleton, 2009), compliment empirical scholarship, and expand understanding of findings (King, 2022; Quintana & Heathers, 2021), inspire independent investigation into Gottman's research (Allen, 2019; Flanagan, 2015), and encourage ongoing learning (Godsey, 2016; Levitt, 2004; Tadros, 2020). Other examples of podcasts that may be suitable for promoting convenient content acquisition include an episode of Small Things Often titled, “Four Things that Make Up Successful Relationships” and the first two episodes of The AAMFT Podcast, which feature a two-part interview with Dr. Sue Johnson.…”

“…“In these reflections, students clarify their thinking, create knowledge, develop self-awareness, keep track of their learning, and make meaning” (Casado-Kehoe et al, 2011, p. 307). However, counselor educators must work diligently to invite reflections and self-disclosures that are within comfortable limits for students (ACA, 2014; Cashwell & McKibben, 2018; CACREP, 2015; Wells & Dickens, 2020) and should routinely solicit student feedback about the benefits and challenges associated with various assignments (McAuliffe & Eriksen, 2011; Tadros, 2020; Wagner & Hill, 2015).…”

“…Podcasts can also be assigned to practice confronting/challenging clients or delivering counselor-initiated interpretations (Hackney & Cormier, 2016). Consequently, this assignment offers students an on-demand experiential activity, which may also promote other academically and clinically useful skills such as creativity and spontaneity (Gladding & Casares, 2022;Lawrence et al, 2015;McGhee et al, 2019;Tadros, 2020;Wells & Dickens, 2020).…”