Definition
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves all the members of a nuclear or extended family. It may be conducted by a pair or team of therapists. In many cases the team consists of a man and a woman in order to treat gender-related issues or serve as role models for family members. Although some forms of family therapy are based on behavioral or psychodynamic principles, the most widespread form is based on family systems theory. This approach regards the family, as a whole, as the unit of treatment, and emphasizes such factors as relationships and communication patterns rather than traits or symptoms in individual members.
Family therapy is a relatively recent development in psychotherapy. It began shortly after World War II, when doctors, who were treating schizophrenic patients, noticed that the patients' families communicated in disturbed ways. The doctors also found that the patients' symptoms rose or fell according to the level of tension between their parents. These observations led to considering a family as an organism or system with its own internal rules, patterns of functioning, and tendency to resist change. The therapists started to treat the families of schizophrenic patients as whole units rather than focusing on the hospitalized member. They found that in many cases the family member with schizophrenia improved when the "patient" was the family system.
Description
Family therapy is based on family systems theory, which understands the family to be a living organism that is more than the sum of its individual members. Family therapy uses "systems" theory to evaluate family members in terms of their position or role within the system as a whole. Problems are treated by changing the way the system works rather than trying to "fix" a specific member. Family systems theory is based on several major concepts:
The identified patient
The identified patient (IP) is the family member with the symptom that has brought the family into treatment. The concept of the IP is used by family therapists to keep the family from scapegoating the IP or using him or her as a way of avoiding problems in the rest of the system.
Homeostasis (balance)
The concept of homeostasis means that the family system seeks to maintain its customary organization and functioning over time. It tends to resist change. The family therapist can use the concept of homeostasis to explain why a certain family symptom has surfaced at a given time, why a specific member has become the IP, and what is likely to happen when the family begins to change. The extended family field
The extended family field refers to the nuclear family, plus the network of grandparents and other members of the extended family. This concept is used to explain the intergenerational transmission of attitudes, problems, behaviors, and other issues.
Differentiation
Differentiation refers to the ability of each family member to maintain his or her own sense of self, while remaining emotionally connected to the family. One mark of a healthy family is its capacity to allow members to differentiate, while family members still feel that they are "members in good standing" of the family.
Triangular relationships
Family systems theory maintains that emotional relationships in families are usually triangular. Whenever any two persons in the family system have problems with each other, they will "triangle in" a third member as a way of stabilizing their own relationship. The triangles in a family system usually interlock in a way that maintains family homeostasis. Common family triangles include a child and its parents; two children and one parent; a parent, a child, and a grandparent; three siblings; or, husband, wife, and an in-law.
— Rebecca J. Frey
Family Rx
1. joining 2. safety plans 3. family sculpting 4. checking, same page 5. rules and boundaries 6. reframing 7. clarify communication patterns 8. re-establishing hierarchies 9. strength based 10. working within culture 11. paradoxical intervention 12. Acknowledging family roles and professional roles – set the stage, why are we here. 13. identifying triangles, avoid triangulation 14. stepping back, setting limits 15. role model 16. role plays 17. homework assignments 18. listening 19. empathy. 20. education 21. secrets 22. genograms 23. goal setting
Crisis intervention refers to the methods used to offer immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral distress or problems. A crisis can refer to any situation in which the individual perceives a sudden loss of his or her ability to use effective problem-solving and coping skills. A number of events or circumstances can be considered a crisis: life-threatening situations, such as natural disasters (such as an earthquake or tornado), sexual assault or other criminal victimization; medical illness; mental illness; thoughts of suicide or homicide; and loss or drastic changes in relationships (death of a loved one or divorce, for example).
Purpose
Crisis intervention has several purposes. It aims to reduce the intensity of an individual's emotional, mental, physical and behavioral reactions to a crisis. Another purpose is to help individuals return to their level of functioning before the crisis. Functioning may be improved above and beyond this by developing new coping skills and eliminating ineffective ways of coping, such as withdrawal, isolation, and substance abuse. In this way, the individual is better equipped to cope with future difficulties. Through talking about what happened, and the feelings about what happened, while developing ways to cope and solve problems, crisis intervention aims to assist the individual in recovering from the crisis and to prevent serious long-term problems from developing. Research documents positive outcomes for crisis intervention, such as decreased distress and improved problem solving.
Description Individuals are more open to receiving help during crises. A person may have experienced the crisis within the last 24 hours or within a few weeks before seeking help. Crisis intervention is conducted in a supportive manner. The length of time for crisis intervention may range from one session to several weeks, with the average being four weeks. Crisis intervention is not sufficient for individuals with long-standing problems. Session length may range from 20 minutes to two or more hours. Crisis intervention is appropriate for children, adolescents, and younger and older adults. It can take place in a range of settings, such as hospital emergency rooms, crisis centers, counseling centers, mental health clinics, schools, correctional facilities, and other social service agencies. Local and national telephone hotlines are available to address crises related to suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other concerns. They are usually available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Julie Sheehan
Phone: (513) 708-7855
2406 Pinwood Lane Email: [email protected] Cincinnati, OH 45239 Objective To obtain a social work position at a reputable agency Summary of Qualifications • Proven ability to prioritize and multitask in a challenging environment • Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills • Enthusiastic contributor and supporter of team goals • Epic documentation experience Education Masters of Social Work University of Louisville –Anticipated Completion -August 2015
Bachelor of Science in Social Work Minors: Psychology and Autism Studies Defiance College, Defiance, OH- May 2011 GPA: 3.70
Licensure Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio License number: 1101618 Expiration: 12/06/2015
Experience
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center August 2011-present Psychiatric Intake Response Center (August 2014-April 2015) Social Work Practicum • Completed over 75 psychiatric evaluations in the Emergency Department • Precertified over 15 insurances • Collaborate with collogues to discuss ethical dilemmas • Updated and organized resource binder for staff and families • Used motivational interviewing and family therapy techniques with working with families and children
Clinical Research Coordinator (November 2012-Current) • Enrolled over 700 patients in to the Ohio Pediatric Asthma Repository • Collect and enter data for future analysis • Trained staff at 5 other participating sties • Attend meetings for quality assurance and future direction
Mental Health Specialist (August 2011-November 2012) • Conducted behavioral therapy for patients with multiple conditions • Communicated with families to ensure best care practices • Recorded accurate notes in to Epic database • Developed a Gross Motor Activity Binder for staff and patients • Participate in meetings, discussions and activities to improve work environment
Four County Family Center January-May 2011 Social Work Student Intern • Completed Diagnostic Assessments, case management and outpatient therapy • Observed weekly meetings for future planning • Co-facilitated early intervention program • Developed matching game using feeling faces
Traveled to Cambodia May 2009-10 McMaster Scholar • Conducted research about Cambodian culture • Received a grant to developed a projected to assist social growth • Participated in long term planning with a group of professors and students • Communicated overseas with Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center before traveling • Collaborated with translators and learned Cambodian culture • Presented information to an audience after returning
Awards/Certifications/Affiliations • National Association of Social Workers, Member • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Ambassador • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Mentor • Graduated Magna Cum Laude, May 2011 • Published article “Teaching Natural Birth Control Methods to Cambodian Women” McMaster School for Advancing Humanity Journal 6.(2011):97-101 • Gerald Mallot Oustanding Senior Service Award, April 2011 • Tau Mu of Social Work, April 2011 • Omicron Mu Phi Alpha Honor Society, 2009-11 • Defiance College Rising Star, 2010 • George P. Michaelides Scholarship, April 2009 • Honorable Mention HCAC Volleyball Conference, 2008-2009
MARILYN KRAVITZ GALE, Ph.D., ACSW, L.I.S.W. -S
509 Norway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, 513.861.5558, cell phone 513. 519- 1007, [email protected]
EDUCATION Ph.D., The Union Institute & University, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 1998 M.S.S.W., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, December 1973 B.S., University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, June 1972 Licensed Independent Social Worker, January 1988.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Presented at national NASW conference on adolescent GLBTQ issues in mental health. • Planned a city wide presentation to educate community on symptoms of severe mental illness and the stigma attached that prevents early treatment and recovery. • Developed a state of the art case management program for dual diagnosed severely mentally ill adults, many whom have forensic status, using ODMH consumer outcomes and SOQIC documentation Ensured productivity covered direct costs. • Created a community based intensive treatment program for mentally ill juveniles and their families involved in the criminal justice system. • Developed an outpatient substance abuse treatment program for men in the criminal justice system. • Conceived a business plan between Planned Parenthood and The Children’s Home of Cincinnati to have an on site pregnancy counselor to increase the viability of adoption to more than 2800 women with unplanned pregnancies. • Designed two core curriculum graduate level course for Master’s level program in Addictions and to date, have taught over 80 students in these courses. • Pioneered the integration of mental health objectives in treatment planning with chemical dependency populations. • Promoted community awareness in crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, conflict resolution and sexual abuse issues by organizing educational workshops, communicating through newspaper and television interviews and generating specific treatment groups. • Successfully maintained compliance and licensing standards with Ohio Department of Job and Family Service, Council on Accreditation, Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Joint Commission (formerly known as JCAHO)..
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center October 2008 to present Social Worker 2, Psychiatric Intake Response Center, • Assess and diagnose psychiatric emergencies of children, adolescents and families in the tri-state area. • Facilitate appropriate referrals to hospitals, outpatient clinics and child welfare agencies when necessary. • Consult to Adolescent Medicine Unit on patients with eating disorders. • Provide trainings to community and hospital on LBGTQ issues in mental health.
Summit Behavioral Healthcare, Cincinnati, Ohio September 2004 to August 2008 Director, Community Support Network • Provide clinical and administrative leadership for the case management forensic program • Ensure medication/somatic services for psychiatric outpatients is timely and consistent for healthcare needs of vulnerable population.. • Fiscally accountable for operating budget in excess of $1,000,000.00. • Maintain ODMH and Joint Commission Certification in Behavioral Healthcare • Program director for Children’s Mobile Crisis team, 2004-2005. • Program director for CASSY, Court Appointed Supportive Services for Youth, Juvenile Mental Health Court, 2004 – 2005. TALBERT HOUSE, Cincinnati, Ohio August 2002 to August 2004 Master Clinical Service Provider, Men’s Corrections. § Provide clinical consultation to SAMI residential program § Clinically supervised program supervisors.. § Facilitated program development in cognitive behavioral methods. § Developed an ODADAS certified outpatient substance abuse program for men § Developed and implemented agency wide trainings in mental health, corrections, clinical supervision, cultural diversity, chemical dependency, DSM 1V, and ethics.. THE CHILDREN’S HOME OF CINCINNATI, Cincinnati, OH June 2000 to June 2002 Adoption Assessor Manager • Duties included supervision of masters’ level certified adoption assessors for domestic, international and special needs adoption programs. • Supervised pregnancy counseling, post adoption services and infant foster care program. • Facilitated community collaborative to promote special needs adoption. • Managed budget in excess of 1 million dollars. • Maintained compliance with state regulations, federal guidelines and Council on Accreditation for child welfare. • Participated in community advisory committees to promote special needs and international adoption.
SOJOURNER RECOVERY SERVICES, Hamilton, OH March 1999 – June 2000 Clinical Director • Duties included supervision of primary counselors of residential and intensive outpatient chemical dependency programs. • Chairperson of bi-weekly review of clinical protocols to determine appropriate level of client care. • Diagnosed and assessed incoming adult and adolescent substance abusing clients. • Coordinated treatment planning and therapeutic interventions. TALBERT HOUSE, Cincinnati, OH April 1997 – March 1999 Outpatient Manager, Mental Health Services • Program Coordinator for 281-Care outpatient services and prevention and education services. • Program Coordinator for AVOISE, sexual abuse treatment for children. • Coordinator for inter-agency school crisis team in Hamilton County. • Chairperson for quality assurance committee. NORCEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS, Cincinnati, OH August 1990- April 1997 • Clinical supervisor of social workers on children’s team • Psychotherapy of adults and children. • Marital and family treatment. • Treatment of substance abuse and addictions. • Diagnostic evaluations of adults and children.
CHILDREN’S PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, Cincinnati, OH March 1974 to June 1980 Psychiatric Social Worker • Provided long term psychiatric casework for families of developmentally disturbed children. • Developed and coordinated short term parent-training groups. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES • Friends of Women’s Studies, University of Cincinnati, Board Member, July 1998 to July 2006. • NASW membership, 1990 to present. • North Avondale Neighborhood Association, Board Member, Cincinnati, Ohio, December 1987 to May 1993. • Women Writing for a Change, 2002 to 2009 AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS • Certified Adoption Assessor, State of Ohio, 2001. • Certificate in Structured Family Therapy, Family Therapy Center, Cincinnati, Ohio l992 • Academy of Certified Social Workers, May 1978 • Phi Beta Kappa, May 1972