EP90 Workshop 10 - Violence in the Family - Cloe Madanes, Lic. Psychol.

Description:

Cloe Madanes will discuss love and violence in therapy and how to choose the therapeutic strategy best suited for a particular problem. She will present 25 strategies of therapy and illustrate with a videotape of her own work.

Educational Objectives:

1. To learn how to select and create the right strategy
2. To learn how to understand a problem in a way conducive to change 

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

Outline:

Strategic Approach in Therapy

• Each case requires a uniquely designed strategy; creativity and advance planning are key.

• Techniques from various models can be incorporated for flexibility.

• Cases involving extreme violence or abuse require specific, structured methods.

Interactional View and Use of Directives

• Problems are seen in the context of relationships, especially family.

• Directives (straightforward, indirect, paradoxical) are used to shift behaviors.

• Small behavioral changes (e.g., play, outings) can lead to transformation.

• In severe cases, directives may drastically alter family structure.

Therapist's Mindset: Optimism, Respect, and Responsibility

• Therapists must believe all problems are solvable and avoid stigmatizing labels.

• Responsibility lies with the therapist and supervisor, not the client.

• Therapist must motivate and manage resistance.

Networks and Humor in Practice

• Therapists benefit from sharing cases and ideas within professional networks.

• Humor (especially self-directed) lightens the process and builds rapport.

Common Therapeutic Goals

• Help clients gain control over behavior and emotions.

• Reduce violence and anger; foster empathy, tolerance, and harmony.

• Promote self-agency and peaceful family dynamics.

Dimensions of Human Life in Therapy

• Dimension 1: Domination/control (e.g., delinquency, substance use).

• Dimension 2: Being loved (e.g., depression, psychosomatic issues).

• Dimension 3: Love and protection (e.g., suicide threats, abuse).

• Dimension 4: Repentance and forgiveness (e.g., incest, trauma).

Strategies for Dimension 1

• Reestablish family hierarchy.

• Shift power from professionals to families.

• Use contracts, negotiation, and adjust benefits.

Strategies for Dimension 2

• Increase healthy parental involvement.

• Use symbolic acts and symptom-pretending to shift family roles.

• Establish rituals for giving and receiving love.

Strategies for Dimensions 3 & 4

• Use coaching and family reunification.

• Create rituals for forgiveness and restore proper roles.

• Ensure protection and containment in abuse cases.

Case Study: Suicidal Child and Depressed Mother

• Rebuild mother’s self-esteem and address daughter's threats.

• Involve siblings in supporting the mother and reshaping family roles.

• Assign tasks to reestablish boundaries and enable maternal dating life.

Therapeutic Interventions and Family Shifts

• Gain children’s approval for mother's new social life.

• Help daughter and son support their mother emotionally and practically.

• Normalize family dynamics through structured permission and shared responsibilities.

Mother's Personal Growth and Relationships

• Socializing and dating lead to personal transformation and better parenting.

• Family bonds strengthen, including relationships with the mother's own parents and children.

Children’s Progress and Legal Changes

• Wendy becomes a union leader; seeks legal support for child support.

• The father’s criminal activity leads to cutting ties for safety.

Transformation and Long-Term Outcome

• Wendy returns to therapy stronger, more feminine, and empowered.

• Therapist celebrates the family’s positive transformation.