Filipino Marital Relationship as a Pillar of a Strong Community: A Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Couples - Policarpio1

Filipino Marital Relationship as a Pillar of a Strong Community: A Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Couples

Growing Old with You Couples Club

Monica Renee G. PolicarpioMS in Psychology major in Clinical PsychologyDe La Salle University

Proposed Name of the therapy group: Growing Old with You Couples Club

Introduction/ Review of Related Literature

Rationale for the therapy program:Statistics A total of 10,528 annulment cases were brought before the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) last 2012, or over 1,000 cases more than the 9,133 filed in 2011.

The number of marriage annulment and nullity cases filed in the country has been steadily rising for the past years, with an average of 28 couples seeking to have their marriages declared null and void per day in 2012, records from the OSG showed. The figure was almost double the number of marriage dispute cases filed a decade ago. In 2002, a total of 5,250 couples sought to have their marriages annulled or nullified.

There are a total of 20,171,899 numbers of households in May 2010 census and 18,452,000 numbers of families in May 2009 with a 492,254 marriage civil registration (2009) without the adjustment of computation for those who are not registered (live-in) according to the National Statistics Office.

Then according to the United Nations, as of 2006 in the Philippines, there are 235, 351 registered marriage for ages 20-24, 152 710 for ages 25-29 and the third highest age group who enters marriage is from 0-19 (80,045).

Theoretical Orientation of TherapySolution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a future-focused, goal-oriented therapeutic approach to brief therapy developed initially by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee in the early 1980s.

Couple therapy approach that is based on identifying and interrupting ironic processes that occur when repeated attempts to solve a problem keep the problem going or make it worse, is also called strategic family therapy (Haley 1980, 1987; Madanes 1981) or solution-focused therapy (Berg & Miller, 1992; de Shazer, 1991). The therapy focuses on the interactional view; (Watzlawick & Weakland, 1978) that explains the behavior (esp. problem behavior) in terms of what happens between people rather than within them.

This approach does not make any assumptions about healthy or pathological functioning. The theory is non-normative and complaint-based, that if no complaint was raised thus there is no problem. This means that a problem for couple A, can be adaptive or not a problem for couple B. What bears is that the attempted solution keeps the complaint interaction patterns worse. The focus on strengths and resilience are the core skills that will be improved in the therapy. One of its assumptions is that people are resourceful and competent in nature which they have their own ability to generate solutions for themselves.

Sessions are not necessarily scheduled on a weekly basis, but in allocated in a manner intended to maximize the likelihood that change will be durable. Like in a 10 session treatment, meetings can be done over months or even a year. Termination occurs without celebration

The contextual framework for the solution-focused approach is the constructivist, postmodern paradigm (Hoyt & Berg, 1998a). Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) assumes that knowing ones reality is tentative, malleable and is subjective in nature. Thus, knowledge and truth are culturally relative, and the focus is on clients' perceptions of problems rather than on objective facts. Situations differ according to the meaning that the client associated with it, thus the interpretations of situation as problematic can be changeable. The therapist helps the client realize the adaptive way of perceiving their life experiences (O'Connell, 1998). It focuses on how individuals construct meanings about their experiences, relationships, and future plans.

In SFT, the client and therapist focus primarily on solutions and not the problem (DeJong & Berg, 1998; O'Connell, 1998). It does not emphasize the past, except in relation to present and future solutions (Friedman & Lipchik, 1999). The outcome will depend on the couples ability to identify their own problems and to create solutions on their own. The SFT premises are that change is constant, the clients have the resources to change and there are exceptions for all types of behavior. The therapist does not lecture to the clients or tell them what to do, but tries to help them figure out on their own what course of action to follow (Beyebach & Morejon, 1999, p. 29). Instead, they are encouraged to think about how they would like to have change and what they could do to change and thus the clients will take charge of developing their plan for the therapy. This is based on the assumption that small changes produce larger changes (Friedman & Lipchik. 1999; O'Connell, 1998; Walter & Feller, 1992). Change is a major focus of the solution-focused approach, and change occurs when clients focus on solutions and competencies (Walter & Peller, 1992). Although change can occur at any time (Walter & Peller, 1992), the solutions that lead to change may not be directly or, obviously related to problems (O'Connell, 1998). In the most basic terms, change occurs when the client "does something different" (Quick, 1996, p. 7). In general, a solution-focused framework holds change as a central component.

Solution-Focused Tenets (de Shazer et al., 2007):1. If it isnt broken, dont fix it. Interventions are irrelevant if the client has solved the problem.2. If it works, do more of it. Do not judge the quality of the solution if it is working, encourage the client to maintain changes.3. If its not working, do something different. If it is not working, it is not a solution, not matter how good the solution seems.4. Small steps can lead to big changes. Solution construction occurs with a series of small manageable steps. The path to solutions is followed using small graceful steps.5. The solution is not necessarily related to the problem. Talking about and acting upon what will be different is the focus, not uncovering why the problem occurred.6. The language for solution development is different from the language needed to describe a problem. Problem talk is negative, solution talk is positive and future focused.7. No problem happens all the time; there are always exceptions that can be utilized. These exceptions can be used to create the solution.8. The future is both created and negotiable. People are not locked into a set of behaviors based on history.Role of the Therapist:1)Help the couple recognize the resources that they already have (e.g. resilience, courage and ingenuity)2)There is an instillation of vision on what goes well in the family for improvement and looking forward for future possibilities3)Shift the clients perception by reframing the problem-saturated stories (White and Epston, 1990) through the counselors skillful use of language.

Therapists Therapeutic Communication Techniques:

Positive stance: Therapists have an attitude that is respectful, positive and hopeful. A belief that people are resilient and have the strength and resources to change

Solution seeking: Therapists are looking for times when the problem wasnt present

Exception seeking: Therapists are looking for times when the problem could have occurred but didnt.

Questioning: Questions play an important role in SFBT and therapists will rarely interpret, challenge or confront their client

Future focused: Therapists strive to direct the client towards future oriented goals and what is working at present rather than focusing on the past and how the problems transpired.Compliments: Encouraging clients to continue doing what is already working for them and highlighting their strengths.

Structure of the Therapy:1)Define the complaint in specific behavioral terms2)Set minimum goals for change (which both of the client and the therapist are free to identify)3)Investigate solutions to the complaint4)Formulate ironic problem-solution loops5)Specify what less of the same will look like in particular situations6)Understand clients preferred views of themselves, the problem and each other7)Use these views to frame suggestions for less-of-the-same solution behavior8)Nurture and solidify incipient change(Rohrbaugh & Shoham, 2001)

Overview of the Nature of the Group Since the nature of the psychotherapy group is brief (5 8 meetings), the members or sets of couples are closed group. The group meets 90 minutes every week. There are two co-therapists. Both and/or either of the therapists may conduct the therapy session. However, time-limited group would need to have a more consistent presence of the therapists.

Target Clients Filipino Couples (Married or unmarried)

Inclusion criteria

Who?Married couplesAdult lived-in partners Engaged couples

Conditions:When one person complains about anotherWhen one or more people complain about the relationshipWhen individual therapy isnt working

Exclusion criteria

1) Domestic violence and paralegal issues- The therapy is short term in nature and does not significantly improve for issues that are needed to be resolved in long-term basis however will refer to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Protocol (Daire, et. al, 2013)

Recruitment process

Self referralInitial InterviewAdministration of Intimate Justice Scale

Group Norms

House rules:

Be punctual. We all have our valuable time and our progress might be affected. Commitment to come every week. Advise to call two days earlier if unable to come.Be helpful to each other.Everyone has their chance to talk. Lets respect whoever is sharing.Focus on solutions, and not on how the problem came about.Practice what you learn.Observe confidentiality. Do not disclose other members personal info to other people.Do not hesitate to bring up your feedback. Your opinion might help in the course of the therapy.Do not drop out. Let us work things out instead when any concern arises. Every session will either be videotaped or audio recorded.

Group Sessions OVERVIEWPre-sessionInitial InterviewIntimate Justice Scale (IJS)Marital Adjustment Test (MAT)Pre-session change questionSession 1: Getting Things Started - Goal SettingHouse rulesSocial IntroductionsAssessment Group DiscussionAnything Else?BreakSummary of SessionHomework or ExperimentSession 2: Focusing on What WorksHouse rulesOpen Forum using Solution Focused Brief Therapy Questioning TechniquesAnything Else?BreakSummary of SessionHomework or ExperimentSession 3: Reflect - Whats Better? Recognizing Interaction PatternsHouse rulesElicitAmplifyAnything Else?BreakSummary of SessionHomework or ExperimentSession 4: Start Over - What to do when learned techniques dont workHouse rulesElicitAmplifyReflectStarting OverAnything Else?BreakSummary of SessionHomework or ExperimentSession 5: How to Keep Changes Going: Hopes for the FutureReview SessionsAssessing Readiness of TerminationTerminationMarital Adjustment Test (MAT)Scheduling of Follow up

Pre-sessionInitial Interview

For initial assessment, building rapport, to screen for the inclusion and exclusion criteria and to initiate therapeutic relationshipIntimate Justice Scale (IJS)

Exclude for group therapy if score is 40 or higher, or if items 14 & 15 are 3 or higher then refer to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Protocol Daire, A. P., Carlson, R. G., Barden, S. M., and Jacobson, L. (2013) An Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Protocol Readiness Model. The Family Journals for referral.Marital Adjustment Test (MAT)

A 15-item scale that measures marital satisfaction. It was initially used to differentiate well-adjusted couples from distressed (unsatisfied) couples. The 15 items are answered on a variety of response scales.Pre-session change question

Even before the first group therapy session, the therapist will impose a question, Between now and next time we meet, I would like you to observe, so that you can describe to me next time, what happens in your relationship that you want to continue to happen (see de Shazer 1985, p. 137). This is to be recognized for any changes during the first session.

Session 1: Getting Things Started - Goal SettingHouse rulesSocial IntroductionsIntroduction of couples to the groupHow long they are together and some demographic backgroundReason of referralWhich of the couples is alarmed with the problematic situation to orient the group about their concernAssessment Group Discussion:

The nature of assessment in this therapy group is not going about knowing the diagnosis but rather as a method of learning more about the client.

The following questions are asked to (6 to 10) couples one by one: What brings you today?

*This becomes the focus of treatment.*Determine type of client (visitor, complainant, customer)Visitor more compliment, less directiveComplainant both with compliment and some directionCustomer - directive What are the goals? How will we know when we are done? *This determines the expected outcome from the clients and also orienting them with the termination of the therapy once the goals are met.

Get specific about the problem-free future. *This is to visualize what the ideal outcome is.Whats the smallest noticeable change? *The identified difference(s) are the ones need to be worked out.What are the couples motivated for? What do they want?What does the person do well? *Find contexts of competence and resources.Skills, hobbies, sports, activities, aspirations, life experiences, etc.

Best coping momentsAcknowledge and validate each client and his/her points of view without closing down the possibilities for change.

Anything else?

Is there anything else you feel I need to know before I take a break?BreakSummary of the Session

What I heard you say todayThe content of the statements:i. The complaintii. The goalsiii. The progressiv. The effect of the situation to the clientMy Response IsThe content of the statements:The therapists reaction to the situationReinforcement of positives and changesReframing, new informationAcknowledgement of clients feelings

Homework or Experiment

To be stated as a suggestion which clients can choose to do rather than as an assignment Each couple has their homework: Collaborative Goal Setting See at AppendicesThis will promote their solution-focused momentum to be continued even outside the therapy group.

Session 2: Focusing on What WorksHouse rulesOpen Forum using Solution Focused Brief Therapy Questioning Techniques

Questioning TechniquesExceptions When doesnt the problem happen? Whats different about those times?What are you doing or thinking differently during the good times? What do you want to change about the problem?

Miracle question:

Suppose that one night, while you are asleep, there is a miracle and the problem that brought you here is solved. However, because you are asleep you don't know that the miracle has already happened. When you wake up in the morning, what will be different that will tell you that the miracle has taken place? What else? (de Shazer, 1988)*It is introduced in a subtle way by the therapist as moving on to something different to ask. c. Scaling question:i. Situation ScaleIf 1 is the worst problem has ever been and 10 is the problem solved (or the miracle has happened), where would you put yourself now?Where do you need to be?What will help you move up one point (one point up is a sign of having a sign of change)?How can you keep yourself at that point?ii. Willingness ScaleIf 1 is Im not really willing to do anything to change this situation and 10 is Im willing to do anything to resolve this?, where are you?iii. Confidence Scale"On a scale of 1-10 where 1 is you have absolutely no confidence that this problem can be resolved and 10 is that you are completely confident that this problem can be resolved, where are you now?"If the response of the client is high, a follow up question will be:"What makes your confidence so high?" This results in a list of things already working in the client's life.If the response is low, a follow up may be:"What would be the first sign that would move you one notch up the scale and give you a lithe more confidence?"Reviewing the goalsWhat are your goals?How will you continue to accomplish goals?How will you know when you got what you wanted from therapy?What will be different?Who will notice?What will they notice?Identifying ExceptionsAre there times when you would expect the problem to happen and it doesnt? How did you get that to happen? Or Was there a time when this problem could have got on top of you but you did something to fight it off? What did you do?

*Exceptions are times when the same situation happened but the problem is not happening or, when the problem may have happened but it didnt.Anything Else?BreakSummary of Session

What I heard you say todayThe content of the statements:i. The complaintii. The goalsiii. The progressiv. The effect of the situation to the clientMy Response IsThe content of the statements:The therapists reaction to the situationReinforcement of positives and changesReframing, new informationAcknowledgement of clients feelings

Homework or Experiment

To be stated as a suggestion which clients can choose to do rather than as an assignment Each couple has their homework: Collaborative Situation Reframing See worksheet at appendices This will enable the couples to constantly reframe the situation from the problematic stance into solution-oriented collaboration by agreeing in couple contract.

Session 3: Reflect - Whats Better? Recognizing Interaction PatternsOverviewHouse rulesElicitWhat changes have you noticed your thoughts, behaviors, or feelings in yourself, your partner, or the relationship, compared from the first session?What would you like to continue to occur?What behaviors would you like to see more of?"What's been going well since I last saw you?""What would other people see to say that is better?""What else?"Amplify

When When did this happen? *Ask for sequences then what happened?Who Who else noticed? How did they respond? What tells you they noticed?Where What was going on that took place that helped? How How did you do that? How did it help? How did you know that it was the right thing to do? How did you think you decided to do that? How did the change help?

"What else?"BreakSummary of the Session

What I heard you say todayThe content of the statements:i. The complaintii. The goalsiii. The progressiv. The effect of the situation to the clientMy Response IsThe content of the statements:The therapists reaction to the situationReinforcement of positives and changesReframing, new informationAcknowledgement of clients feelings

Homework or Experiment

To be stated as a suggestion which clients can choose to do rather than as an assignment Each couple has their homework: Do One Thing Different Application/worksheet created by Ron Coffen, Ph.D., based on work by Bill OHanlon (possibilitytherapy) and Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. (solution - focused therapy)This will help the couples in reviewing their patterns of interaction and to apparently do something different in attuned to the goals they have agreed to do to change for better.

Session 4: Start Over - What to do when learned techniques dont workHouse rulesElicitAmplifyReflectSituation Scale

"What have you done to move up the scale like this?"Confidence Scale

"On a scale of 1-10, 1 is 'I have absolutely no confidence that we can continue to sustain and improve this situation' and 10 is 'I'm confident we can continue and sustain the changes you've begun', where are you now?"Next Step

"When your confidence has increased even a little what will be happening different from now?" "What would have to happen for your confidence to increase even a little?"Presence of Step

"Have there been any times in recent past when you have been even a little more confident?" "Are there any times when your (partner) has been even a little?"Starting Over

When the client reports that the situation is "not better", it usually means that the changes are not dramatic and fast enough to meet the client's expectations, that they are looking, for big changes, or the changes are not directly acknowledged as related to the clients goal.

Such feelings of frustration must be acknowledged while at the same time the client's attention can be drawn to "small changes that- can be highlighted and made significant.

If the client has had an upsetting day just prior to the session, this may colour his/her perception of the whole week. So, accept the client's perception as valid and then review the week in detail. In this process the therapist may usually find some instances, although small, where they behaved differently creating some change related to their goal.

If clients are facing setbacks from their goal maintenance, they become overwhelmed and lose their perspective. The role of the therapist is to recognize past success(es).

"How is this setback different from the last one?""What would . . . . . . . . . say was different about this time?""What have you learned about yourself from this experience?"''What will you do differently as a result of this?""What do you need to do more of?""How will you make sure you do that?""How will that affect your life?"

Anything Else?BreakSummary of SessionHomework or Experiment

To be stated as a suggestion which clients can choose to do rather than as an assignmentEach couple has their homework: Action Steps Handout by Bill OHanlon, PhD at www.possibill.com/download/bonus/files/HandoutBook.pdf retrieved April 7, 2014This will help the couples in learning skills on how to harmoniously communicate with the partner.

Session 5: How to Keep Changes Going: Hopes for the FutureReview of the past sessions

"The goal (in Solution Focused Brief Therapy) is best thought of as a member of the class of ways that the therapist and client will know that the problem is solved." (de Shazer 1988 p93)The goals of the therapy of each of the couple will be reviewed and to evaluate if the goals are met. Also, reporting that the improvement of the relationship and learned skills of the reframing of solution-focused perspective is acquired, then the goals of the program is met.Assessing Readiness for Termination

"I want to ask you a slightly different question. Looking back, suppose when we first started that your life was at 1 and where you want your life to be is 10, where would you say you are now?""What do you suppose it will take for you to be out a 5 or 6?""On the same scale where 10 means you have every confidence that you will continue to control your drug use, 1 means you have no confidence at all, where would you say you are today?"TerminationHow does the client understand what they did to find solutions to the problem? Do they have a clear sense of what they did to help themselves?Is this something that can be applied to other situations?Do they have clear ideas on what may be the early signs that things have started to deteriorate?Marital Adjustment Test (MAT)

For objective measure purposes, the post program test will be administered and feedback from the clients is to be sought for improvement of the therapy program.Scheduling of Follow-up

ReferencesClark-Stager, W. (1999). Using Solution-Focused Therapy Within an Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy Framework: An Integrative Model. Journal of FamilyPsychotherapy, Vol. 10(3), pp. 27-47.

Daire, A. P., Carlson, R. G., Barden, S. M., and Jacobson, L. (2013) An Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Protocol Readiness Model. The Family Journals

DeJong, & Berg, K. (1998). Interviewing for solutions. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Friedman, S., & Lipchik, E. (1999), A time-effective, solution-focused approach to couple therapy. In Donovan, J. M, (Ed.), Short-term couple therapy (pp, 325-359). New York: Guilford Press.

Hoyt, M. F., & Berg, I. K. (1998a). Solution-focused couple therapy: Helping clients construct self-fulfilling realities. In F. M. Dattilio (Ed.), Case studies in couple and family therapy: Systemic and cognitive perspectives (pp. 203-232). New York: Guilford Press.

Hoyt, M.& Berg, I. K. (1998b). Solution-focused couple therapy: Helping clients construct self-fulfilling realities. In M. F. Hoyt (Ed.), The handbook of constructive therapies: Innovative approaches from leading practitioners (pp. 3 14-340), San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Jory, B. (2004). The intimate justice scale: An instrument to screen for psychological abuse and physical violence in clinical practice. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 30, 29-44

Locke, H. J., & Wallace, K. M. (1959). Short marital adjustment and prediction tests: Their reliability and validity. Marriage and Family Living, 21, 251255.

O'Connell, B. (1998). Solution-focused therapy. London: Sage.

Walter, J. L., & Peller, J. E. (1992). Becoming solution focused in brief: therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

AppendicesSessions WorksheetIntimate Justice Scale (IJS)Marital Adjustment Scale (MAT)Initial Interview FormInformed ConsentWorksheet: Collaborative Goal SettingWorksheet: Collaborative Situation ReframingWorksheet: Do One Thing DifferentWorksheet: Action Steps

First Sessions Worksheet Adapted from Centercare Brief Therapy Service with some revision.Name of Couples:Date:Reason for referral:Session number:MIRACLE QUESTIONCouples Response:

Therapists Compliments:Part of Miracle:

Compliments:SCALINGProgress #Step(s):

Presence of Step(s):Willingness #Step(s):

Presence of Step(s):ANYTHING ELSE?

MESSAGECompliments:

Bridge:Task:

Second and Subsequent SessionsName of Couples:Date:Reason for referral:Session number:Elicit Whats better?, Whats been different?, Whats gone well?Amplify What did you do to make that happen? How did you do that?Reinforce Recognize the actions taken.AMPLIFICATION DIALOGUE (E.A.R.)E. A. R. Responses

Therapists Compliments:Start over What else has been better?

Compliments:SCALINGProgress #Step(s):

Presence of Step(s):Willingness #Step(s):

Presence of Step(s):WHEN NOT BETTERHave there been times when the problem could have happened but didnt?How have you managed to keep things okay?How can we help today?

Compliments:

ANYTHING ELSE?

MESSAGECompliments:

Bridge:Task:

IJS - The Intimate Justice Scale Jory, B. (2004). The intimate justice scale: An instrument to screen for psychological abuse and physical violence in clinical practice. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 30, 29-44Name: ____________________________________ Todays Date:_________________

Read each item below to see if it describes how your partner The term partner refers to your most significant mutual relationship. This may be a spouse or former spouse or even a best friend. If you are not in a marriage currently or recently, or have a girlfriend or boyfriend, use your most intimate friendship when answering these questions. usually treats you. Then circle the number that best describes how strongly you agree or disagree with whether it applies to you. Circling a one (1) indicates that you do not agree at all, while circling a five (5 ) indicates that you agree strongly. Your answers are confidential.I do not I agreeAgree at all strongly123451. My partner never admits when he or she is wrong. 1 2 3 4 52. My partner is unwilling to adapt to my needs and expectations. 1 2 3 4 53. My partner is more insensitive than caring. 1 2 3 4 54. I am often forced to sacrifice my own needs to meet my partners needs. 1 2 3 4 55. My partner refuses to talk about problems that make him or her look bad. 1 2 3 4 56. My partner withholds affection unless if would benefit her or him. 1 2 3 4 57. It is hard to disagree with my partner because she or he gets angry. 1 2 3 4 58. My partner resents being questioned about the way he or she treats me. 1 2 3 4 59. My partner builds himself or herself up by putting me down. 1 2 3 4 510. My partner retaliates when I disagree with him or her. 1 2 3 4 511. My partner is always trying to change me. 1 2 3 4 512. My partner believes he or she has the right to force me to do things. 1 2 3 4 513. My partner is too possessive or jealous. 1 2 3 4 514. My partner tries to isolate me from family and friends. 1 2 3 4 515. Sometimes my partner physically hurts me. 1 2 3 4 5

Marital Adjustment Test (MAT) Locke, H. J., & Wallace, K. M. (1959). Short marital adjustment and prediction tests: Their reliability and validity. Marriage and Family Living, 21, 251255.1. Check the dot on the scale line below which best describes the degree of happiness, everything considered, of your present marriage. The middle point, "happy," represents the degree of happiness which most people get from marriage, and the scale gradually ranges on one side to those few who are very unhappy in marriage, and on the other, to those few who experience extreme joy or felicity in marriage.02715202535.......Very Unhappy

Happy

Perfectly Happy

State the approximate extent of agreement or disagreement between you and your mate on the following items.

Always AgreeAlmost Always AgreeOccasionally DisagreeFrequently DisagreeAlmost Always DisagreeAlways Disagree2. Handling Family Finances5432103. Matters of Recreation5432104. Demonstration of Affection8632105. Friends5432106. Sex Relations151294107. Conventionality (right, good, or proper conduct)5432108. Philosophy of Life5432109. Ways of dealing with in-laws *for married couples 54321010. When disagreements arise, they usually result in:husband giving in wife giving in agreement by mutual give and take0 2 1011. Do you and your mate engage in outside interests together?All of them Some of them Very few of them None of them.10 8 3 012. In leisure time do you generally prefer:to be "on the go" to stay at home

Does your mate generally prefer:to be "on the go" to stay at home ?

(Stay at home for both, 10 points; "on the go" for both, 3 points; disagreement, 2 points.)

13. Do you ever wish you had not married?Frequently occasionally rarely never0 3 8 1514. If you had your life to live over, do you think you would:marry the same person marry a different person not marry at all15 0 115. Do you confide in your mate:almost never rarely in most things in everything0 2 10 10

Scoring:The scoring rubric (points for each response) is included in the above scale, but should not be included when giving the scale to respondents. The scores for all 15 items should be added up together. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction.

Initial Interview Form Source: Walter, J. L., and Peller, J. E. (1992). Becoming solution-focused in brief therapy, 247. New York: Routledge. Client(s):___________________________________________________________________Date: _____________________ Time: ________________ Duration: ___________________People Present:_________________________________________________________________Main Complainant/ Customer:_____________________________________________________

Whose idea is it that you come here?What makes think you should come here?What does want you to be doing differently?Is this something you want? (Goal frame)If yes, proceed as with a voluntary client.If no, ask: Is there something you would like out of coming here? (Goal frame)If yes, proceed as with a voluntary client.If no, explore the consequences of not coming to sessions.Complaint:

Conditions of Satisfaction (Outcome Measures)

Bottom line concern: (i.e. What is the simplest thing that the complainant has to do so that the complaint will not be a complaint any more?):

Patterns of Complaint:TimingDurationFrequencyLocationBehavioral Observation:ClothingActionsInteractionsPosturesPerceptionsThoughtsInternal sensationsInterpersonal contextTriggers/cues

Previous Attempted SolutionsBy the customerBy othersDid they work/help?Self Mutilation: (i.e. Serious or previous suicidal/homicidal/ violent acts; drug/alcohol misuse patterns)

Customers Cognitive Map in Relation to Complaint (How can therapist utilize this map or change it?)

Causes/reasons for the complaint (according to the customer)

What do they think has to happen or what do they have to do in order for things to change?

Customers Resources (What do they do well?/ What do they know really well?)Interactions during sessionsInterventions Given at Initial Interview

Therapists Own Clinical Impression

What do I think has to happen before this complaint can be resolved?What do I think caused or causes the complaint?What do I think the real, underlying problem is?

Informed Consent

I am Monica Renee G. Policarpio, a graduate student under the degree program of Master in Psychology major in Clinical Psychology of the De La Salle University. I will be conducting series of group therapy sessions with you and your partner, provided that you the initial intake interview.

This informed consent intends to provide you information to help you understand the therapy. This will serve as an agreement that upon signing here would imply that you are willfully participating as a client. May you have any concern, please inform me so that we can discuss further.

Nature of Psychological ServiceBasically, the process that we will undertake is called group therapy. It is a solution-seeking journey between you and your partner as a client, and I as your therapist, committed to a common goal that we will determine through the process. It will help us in understanding your well-being as we work together by looking into your concerns and develop self-awareness related to your issues. However in the course of the therapy sessions, you might experience uneasiness due to strong emotions arrived from anxiety, fear, anger etc. Hopefully through the process, it may also benefit you by acquiring skills on how to handle issues, in which we will try together to discover how.

ConfidentialityThe information disclosed during the group therapy sessions will be held confidential. However, there are conditions that will require breach of confidentiality due to the following circumstances:

1) When there is any sign of imminent harm to yourself, I will call the immediate contact person you provided for your safety;2) When you expressed to me that there is any sign that you intend to inflict imminent harm to others, I am obligated to notify the police and the threatened person for their protection;4) When I am bound by the law through court order, I am mandated to provide the information they need;5) When you have given me written and oral permission to do so;Record KeepingIn every group therapy sessions, there will be an audio recording as a part of the documentation process. The file(s) will be kept secured for case review and documentation purposes under the compliance of academic requirement.

Schedules and AvailabilityWe will be having one initial interview session and a minimum of four therapy sessions each week for one full hour. You are highly encouraged to come on time as we will begin and end at our agreed time. A fifteen minute grace period will be considered. Exceeding this will automatically imply a rescheduling of appointment. Please be mindful that we will still end sessions at our agreed time in case of your tardiness. If I will be late however, we will still proceed to full session or reschedule if not applicable. If I happen to postpone our session, I will inform the group when twenty four hours prior to our agreement will immediately set our next meeting.

For any concerns, please contact me through email at reneepolicarpio@gmail.com and/or mobile at 09057412422. I will respond back as soon as 24 hours.

Professional Fee You are entitled to pay for an amount of _________________________ charging of fees for our group therapy sessions.

Emergency hotlinesIf you have an imminent intention of hurting yourself, do not hesitate to seek for my psychological service. If I am unavailable, you may go to the nearest hospital or you may also call the crisis intervention hotlines that are indicated below:a.Crisis Line PhilippinesTel. 893-7606 or 893-7603b.Information and Crisis Intervention (ICIC)(02) 804-HOPE (4673)0917 558 HOPE (4673) / (02) 211 45500917 852 HOPE (4673)/ (02) 964 68760917 842 HOPE (4673)/ (02) 964 4084c.Manila Lifeline CenterTel. 02) 8969191Mobile: 0917 854 9191

Termination As a client, you have the right to terminate the group therapy sessions as you may wish at any time. However, for the termination to take place appropriately, kindly inform me ahead in order for me to prepare for closing our therapy sessions. On the other hand, as your therapist, I also have the right to terminate the therapy sessions if I discern that you may need a professional assistance or when the service you seek or needed is beyond my level of competency.

By signing below, I am claiming that I fully understand the conditions stated above and willfully agree to have Ms. Monica Renee G. Policarpio conduct psychotherapy sessions with me.

_________________________________________________________Printed name and signature of the clientDate

__________________________________________________________Printed name and signature of the graduate studentDate

___________________________________________________________Contact person in case of emergencyContact Info

Worksheet: Collaborative Goal SettingCOUPLE GOALS

Individual Partner Goals for (Name):_____________________________________________

Individual Partner Goals for (Name):_____________________________________________

Worksheet: Collaborative Situation ReframingCouple Contract for what purpose?___________________________________________Step 1: Identify and clarify what previous problematic situation is.Partner________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Partner________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Changes we hope to see or goals we hope to accomplish through our agreement:Partner ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Partner __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Worksheet: Do One Thing Different

How to make things go better by breaking problem patterns.Step 1:Think about the things you do in a problem situation. Change any part you can. Choose to change one thing, such as, the timing, your body patterns (what you do with your body), what you say, the location (where it happens), or the order you do things in.

What will you do?Think of a time that things do not go well for you. (a) When does that happen and(b) what part of that problem situation will you do differently now?:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by not letting your feelings be your master.Step 2:Think of something that somebody else does that makes the problem better. Try doing what they do the next time the problem comes up.ORThink of something that you have done in the past that made things go better. Try doing that the next time the problem comes up.

What will you do?Think of something that somebody else does that works to make things go better.What is the persons name and what do they do that you will try?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Think of something that you have done in the past that helped make things go better. What did you do that you will do next time?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by changing your focus.Step 3:Feelings tell you that you need to do something. Your brain tells you what to do. Understand what your feelings are but do not let them determine your actions; let your brain determine your actions.

What will you do?Think of something that you are focusing on too much. What gets you into trouble when you focus on it?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Think of something that you will focus on instead. What will you focus on that will not get you into trouble?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by changing your focus.Step 4:Change what you focus on. What you pay attention to will become bigger in your life and you will notice it more and more. To solve a problem, try changing your focus or your perspective.

What will you do?Think of something that you are focusing on too much. What gets you into trouble when you focus on it?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Think of something that you will focus on instead. What will you focus on that will not get you into trouble?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by thinking about how things will be better in the future.Step 5:Imagine a future time when you are not having the problem you are having right now. Work backwards to figure out what you could do now to make that future come true

What will you do?Think of what will be different for you in the future when things are going better.How will things be different?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Think of one thing that you would be doing differently before things could go better in the future. What one thing will you do differently?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by talking about times you did well together.Step 6:Sometimes people with problems talk about what other people are doing that makes them have the problem and they talk about why it is not possible to do better.Change your story. Talk about times when the problem was not happening and what you were doing when the problem was not happening. Control what you can control; you cant control the other person, but you can change what you are doing and that might change what the other people are doing.

What will you do?Think of a time when you were not having the problem that is bothering you.Tell about that time____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by focusing on God or a Higher Power.Step 7:If you believe in God or a Higher Power, focus on God to get things to go better. When you truly are focused on God or you are truly asking God to help you do what you need to do, things will often go better for you.

What will you do?Do you believe in God or a Higher Power? Tell how you will get help from your God to make things go better:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to make things go better by using action talk.Step 8:Use action talk to get things to go better. Action talk sticks to the facts. Action talk only talks about things you can see. Action talk does not talk about what you believe the other person was thinking or feeling because we do not know that. When you make a complaint, talk about the action that you do not like.When you make a request, talk about what action you want the person to do.When you praise someone, talk about what action you likedE.g. Say, I feel angry when you talk while I am talking. Instead of Youre so stupid! Im not talking to you any more.

Say, I am upset right now. Could we talk about this later?Instead of You interrupt me just to make me mad! Stop it!

What will you do?Make a complaint about what you do not like to do.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Make a request for something you want using action talk:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Thank your partner for doing what you asked using action talk:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Worksheet: Action StepsACKNOWLDGEMENTSometimes your partner wants you to listen and hear his or her feelings or points of view. He or she may also want a change in actions, but first let the other person know that youve understood and heard their feelings or thoughts. You dont necessarily have to agree with them, but dont invalidate them (that is, suggest that they are silly, not reasonable, wrong or invalid).

Practice:Get your partner to tell you about a time when he or she did not feel heard or understood and what you did or said that contributed to their sense of not being acknowledged.Get your partner to tell you about a time when he or she felt really heard or understood by you and what you did or said that contributed to their sense of being acknowledged.Practice deliberately increasing the actions that gave your partner a sense of being acknowledged for the next week.

ACTION COMPAINTSInstead of telling your partner/family member that the problem is what he or she is, it is usually less threatening and more conducive to change to focus on what he or she does that is a problem for you. Sometimes we complain to our partners/family members in packaged wordswords and phrases that may mean something specific to us, but in which the meanings are not clear to our partners/family members. Its best to unpack those vague words and phrases and get specific.

Practice:Tell your partner/family member three things that he or she has done that you havent liked. Do not give them your theory or story about why they did it or a prediction about what they will do about it in the future. Avoid generalizing or labeling. Get specific about what it looked like and sounded like.Get your partner/family member to tell you three things that you have done that he or she hasnt liked. If they give you their theory or story about it or are vague, gently steer them back to getting specific suggesting that you really want to know what they would like you to change.

ACTION REQUESTAction requests involve asking your partner/family member to do something different in the future. Instead of trying to get your partner/family member to change his or her insides, it is usually less threatening and more conducive to change to focus on what they could do that you would like. Sometimes we phrase our requests in vague language. Its best to get specific.

Practice:Get your partner/family member to fill in the blank in the following sentence. I would like you to _________________________(description of some action your partner/family member would like you to do in the future) by ___________________(fill in the date).Give your partner/family member one request using action language. I would like you to ______________________________ (description of some action you would like your partner/family member to do in the future) by ____________________ (fill in the date).