EP17 Speech 19 - Contributions to the Practice of Strategic Therapy - Cloe Madanes, LIC, HDL

Description:

Madanes will present 18 strategies that she developed for working with the whole age range and the whole range of problems presented to therapy. These interventions are in the tradition of Strategic Therapy in that the therapist plans a strategy that involves the social context of the individual and the therapist is directive, guiding clients towards the solutions for their challenges.

Educational Objectives:

1. List 3 strategies for working with families.
2. Name 3 strategies for working with couples.
3. Explain the importance of the apology.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Introduction and Coaching Focus

• Cloe Madanes introduces her training program in life coaching with her daughter and son-in-law.

• Life coaching benefits: freedom from insurance, control over fees.

• Focus of talk: addressing serious problems (suicide, violence, psychosis) through life coaching strategies.

Early Career and Story of the Virgin Mary

• Cloe helps a young woman in Argentina who saw visions of the Virgin Mary.

• Uses shared faith to reduce the woman’s sense of isolation.

• Importance of utilizing client beliefs and relationships in therapy.

Case with Dr. Minuchin and Suicidal Girl

• Cloe supervises a social worker with a suicidal teen at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic.

• Brings in Dr. Minuchin to avoid hospitalization; humor and authority shift the girl’s behavior.

• Reuniting with the biological father is key to the girl's recovery.

Masculine Pride and Creative Payment Plan

• At University of Maryland Hospital, Cloe leverages a father’s pride to commit to therapy.

• Psychiatric resident arranges a pay-if-worse agreement.

• Children improve, therapy continues successfully.

CEO’s Son and the Power of Truth

• Boy attempts suicide after rejection; reveals past abuse by parents.

• Cloe confronts father, leading to sincere apology and healing.

• Younger siblings also reveal trauma—truth becomes a path to healing.

Infidelity and Temporary Insanity

• Woman attempts suicide after being caught cheating; grief over brother’s death is root issue.

• Husband’s love helps recovery.

• Humor and emotional honesty used to guide the couple forward.

Family Involvement in Domestic Violence

• Violent husband refuses to apologize in session.

• In a second session, he kneels and apologizes; family helps monitor behavior.

• Emphasizes using family support to ensure safety and long-term change.

Sexual Abuse and Reparation

• Father seeks to make amends for abusing his daughter.

• Family initially resists but agrees after reading Cloe’s book.

• Therapy includes kneeling apology and financial reparation.

Final Reflections

• Use of Ericksonian principles: leverage behaviors, beliefs, relationships.

• Value of transparency in therapy.

• Importance of using compassion, honesty, and family involvement in tough cases.

• Cloe thanks the audience and hopes to inspire others to handle serious issues with care.