THERAPY TECHNIQUES
Dad attempts this technique, which involves adopting a non-blaming, and neutral stance to understand the purpose of the son's addiction.
Reframing
The Social Stage:
If the Sheff family were starting therapy, why would the therapist have each person introduce themselves before discussing Nic’s addiction?
To ensure everyone has a voice and to observe family roles without jumping straight into the problem. (or any other answer deemed acceptable)
This type of feedback loop occurs when someone attempts to fix the situation which actually makes the problem worse.
Positive Feedback Loop
What short-term behavioral changes can be targeted first for the dad based off of the diner scene?
The dad could work on giving clear boundaries and nonnegotiable responses
What are examples of first order change in the movie clips?
An accurate answer was given.
Create a ritual for this family.
An accurate answer was given.
The Problem Stage:
If the Sheff family started therapy, why shouldn’t the therapist immediately share their observations about the family?
It could create defensiveness or resistance before trust is established, causing them to terminate therapy. (or any other answer deemed acceptable)
This term describes how the family attempts to stay in there usual functioning lives, even though it keeps them in a cycle of relapse.
Family Homeostasis
What short-term behavioral changes can be targeted first for the son based off of the diner scene?
Nic would reduce escalation and increasing clarity in communication
What are examples of second order change in the movie clips?
An accurate answer was given.
Give an example of a clear boundary shown in the movie clips.
An accurate clear boundary.
The Interaction Stage:
What patterns might a strategic therapist notice when Nic and David interact?
Cycles of control, resistance, frustration, and emotional escalation. (or any other answer deemed acceptable)
Strategic therapy aims for this type of change, which involves altering the fundamental rules and structure of the family system, not just fixing one behavior.
Second-order change
What would be a successful interaction between the father and son look like?
Nic(son) would ask the dad for help without escalating and the father responds without arguing or overexplaining resulting in a structured and strategic way.
How could the family establish their roles in the family?
An accurate answer was given.
Give an example of an enmeshed boundary that was shown in the movie clips.
An accurate enmeshed boundary.
The Goal-Setting Stage:
What would a system-level goal look like for this family?
Changing how David responds to Nic (e.g., setting boundaries) rather than just stopping drug use. (or any other answer deemed acceptable)
What is co-dependency/enabling?
An accurate answer was given.
David is warned that if he does not stop intervening, he might experience this, a term for taking on the stress of the addict.
How could a therapist redefine the problem in a way that motivates change?
The therapist can redefine the problem as a negative cycle both characters are stuck in rather than blaming one person
From a systemic perspective how would you go about dealing with the relationship between the son and the dad?
Bringing in the whole family unit.
Give an example of reframing that was shown in the movie clips.
An accurate reframing answer.
Task-Setting Stage (Directives):
What is a directive that could improve family communication and how would it lead to second order change?
A useful directive would be scheduling non-addiction related conversations to rebuild connection. They don’t just try to stop Nic’s drug use, they change how the family functions as a system in Beautiful Boy. (or any other acceptable answer)
What is triangulation?
An accurate answer was given.
The tendency of the dad, and his ex-wife, to argue about the "best" way to help the son, often leading to power struggles.
How can Nic and the dad help their relationship through the Strategic lense?
Both parties can stick to clear roles
Nic communicates calmly
The dad maintains consistent boundaries
Instead of seeing the son as a bad kid, a strategic therapist might reframe his rebellion as a desperate attempt to achieve this, though in a destructive way.
Differentiation.