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Marital Therapy Vignette - Vignette Discussion to “Treating Couples: Identifying and Managing Legal & Ethical Issues
Michael Griffin, JD, LCSW Staff Attorney The Therapist July/August, 2012
Vignette#1 Mary contacted Tom, a Marriage and Family Therapist, to inquire about the possibility of participating in marital therapy with her husband, Aaron. During their third marital session, Aaron announced that he would no longer be attending marital therapy. In Aaron's opinion, the previous two marital sessions demonstrated to him that his marriage couldn't be saved and that further marital therapy was a waste of time. Aaron then stated that Mary should continue in individual therapy with Tom if she wanted to and that "the least he could do" was pay for Mary's sessions. Aaron then apologized for the fact that he had to leave the session twenty minutes early and left the office.
Questions applicable to Vignette#1:
Discussion:
Vignette#2 Rose provided weekly individual therapy to Jonathan for about six months. During that period of time, Jonathan's wife, Sue, agreed to participate in some conjoint sessions with him and Rose, in order to help Jonathan address some of his individual issues. Although Nathan and Sue both found those sessions to be productive, Jonathan was particularly encouraged by the positive changes in his relationship with Sue. Later, Jonathan persuaded Sue to join him in marital therapy with Rose. Based on her belief that the various issues addressed in the therapy sessions were closely related, and to simplify her recordkeeping, Rose documented all of the therapy sessions that were provided to Jonathan and Sue in a single treatment record.
Questions applicable to Vignette #2
Vignette#3 After participating in marital therapy with Tom for a few months, Ronald and Michelle decided to pursue a trial separation. The couple agreed that Tom was a good therapist, and they decided to ask him if he could facilitate a discussion on the topic of co-parenting their ten-year-old daughter Lisa. Although Tom was reluctant to assist them with these issues, Ronald and Michelle stressed that they were extremely concerned about Lisa's reaction to their separation and they agreed that Tom was the "best person" to assist them in discussing a temporary agreement, because he already knew them and was familiar with their concerns. Tom made a point of telling them that he would assist them, so long as they clearly agreed not to involve him in any subsequent litigation that may arise concerning the issues of custody or visitation Ronald and Michelle quickly agreed to Tom's terms, but Tom said that he wanted to "play it safe" and had them sign an agreement promising not to involve him in any litigation. After meeting a few times, Ronald and Michelle both informed Tom that they were pleased with the outcome of their discussions regarding Lisa's care and thanked him for his help. About one year later, Michelle contacted Tom to inform him that she and Ron were involved in a very contentious divorce. Michelle asked Tom if he could have a few sessions with Lisa "to see how she was coping with everything."
Questions applicable to Vignette#3
Vignette#4 David provided individual therapy to Anne, a particularly rebellious 15 year old. After almost 18 months of therapy with David, Anne said that she had had enough treatment and wanted to "take a break for awhile." Anne's parents agreed with David's recommendation that it was "ok" to give Anne some space, and they allowed her to discontinue therapy. Shortly thereafter, David met with Anne's parents to work on some co-parenting issues, but the meetings evolved into marital therapy that lasted nearly a year. Eventually, Anne's parents decided that she should return to therapy with David due to her failing grades.
Questions applicable to Vignette#4