Relationship Scenarios

Interpersonal differences coupled with complexities in human interaction may sometimes result in interpersonal conflicts and disagreements. This may threaten the stability of relationships and affect individual well-being. Relationship counselling provides a framework for resolving these issues. It typifies a conflict resolution mechanism that draws therapists to help couples deal with events affecting their interactions and prepare them for a healthier and stronger relationship. This paper outlines and analyses four relationship therapy scenarios.

Scenario One

Kendrick and Sung presented to the therapist to help them resolve issues within their relationship.
They have been married for three years.
Kendrick is a 28-year-old Caucasian, cisgender American male working at a software engineering company in San Francisco, CA. He is a college graduate and hails from a well-off family. He does not subscribe to any religion but claims to be spiritual.
Sung is a 25-year-old Korean who immigrated to the U.S. to pursue her higher education in software engineering. She is currently working in a tech company. She is a cisgender female with a solid Christian faith, raised in a Christian family. Sung comes from a middle-income family.
Kendrick and Sung present for relationship therapy to resolve their relationship issues. Sung has threatened to leave Kendrick. She claims that her husband has, of late, been entrenched in his work. He rarely spends time with her and avoids the question of siring children. On the other hand, Kendrick reports that they argue a lot, which makes him avoid her even more whenever they are together.
Assessment of the couples reveals considerable communication strains between the couple. They rarely looked each other in the eye and had several episodes of tense silence. The husband also avoided the issue of siring babies and was defensive about over-concentrating in his work.

How to Approach the Case

The case presents a couple with considerable communication challenges. The first step to understanding and addressing this case is by identifying factors within the relationship that may perpetuate poor communications or attribute to thereof. Person-centred approaches are valuable in this regard. It effectively identifies factors that precipitate problems experienced in relationships (Joseph, 2021. Through this approach, the therapists may learn why Kendrick is more entrenched in his work, what makes him avoid his wife and his perception of siring babies.

The humanistic approach is an example of a theory that can be effective when dealing with this couple. This theory postulates that people possess within themselves resources that they may require to resolve their conflicts. In this case, this couple can benefit from discussing their issues and getting each other perspectives on pertinent issues affecting their relationship. Therapy aims to free the couple from attitudes and assumptions that disable the relationship. The direct technique can be used in this regard. It implores the therapist to play a more active role in helping the couple solve their problems.

Another approach that can be integrated into this therapy is the cognitive theory. As per this theory, therapists can work with the couple to help them think positively to avoid conflicts. The case presents a culturally diverse family. Significant in this therapeutic process is the cultural consideration that may be apparent. Chen Feng et al. (2016) postulate that sociocultural attunement in socioemotional relationship therapy involving cross-cultural couples helps identify factors precipitating the conflict. Thus, the therapist must be aware of these differences to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Self-of-the-Therapist

A specific challenge that may present when addressing this couple is cross-cultural communication. This can, however, be addressed by maintaining culture-sensitive communication and sociocultural-attuned practice (McCarthy & Wald Ross, 2019). This will enable a greater understanding of the couple’s perspectives on gender roles and responsibilities in a marriage setup. Specific strengths ensuring successful intervention include enhanced communication skills and confidence while addressing the couple. Anticipated challenges may include the clients’ reluctance to adopt the therapy process’s provisions and remaining non-judgmental through the therapy process.

Scenario Two

Anfernee and Wendy presented to the therapists to help them address an issue in their relationship centred on differences in their faith.
Anfernee and Wendy have been dating for five years.
Anfernee is a 35-year-old African American cisgender male. He is a college graduate currently working in a car manufacturing company. He was brought up in a low-income family and is a staunch Muslim.
Wendy is a 30-year-old African American female currently pursuing her undergraduate education. She comes from a middle-income Christian family and attends church services regularly.
Wendy claims it is just five years since their wedding and is increasingly feeling “empty” and “losing touch” with the relationship. She states that they have not been able to find an amicable solution to their religious differences. She claims that Christianity has always defined her life, and she is finding it very difficult to put up with her husband’s Muslim faith. Anfernee, on the other hand, agrees that his faith has preoccupied him for a long time. He states that despite their religious differences, he loves her and is committed to being with her.
The couple seems to be divided on the issue of religion. While each individual remains satisfied with the faith they currently ascribe to, neither is willing to compromise. Both partners seem to be harbouring the nitty gritty of this difference’s impact on their relationship. The body language and tone used by Wendy suggest more to the case than religiosity differences alone.

How to Approach the Case

The case presents a couple divided along religiosity lines. The first step when approaching this case issue is to utilize the patient-centred approach to help identify and formulate the problems the couple is presenting with. This can be achieved in the first two sessions. In this session, each individual can have a separate meeting with the therapist to state what they think the problem is.

The psychoanalytic theoretical provisions can be used when engaging this couple. Then, psychoanalytic theory postulates that current individuals’ psychological problems are a consequence of influences from unconscious motivations stemming from their past experiences. In this case, the couples have difficulties altering aspects of the religion. The goal of therapy in this regard is to help the clients recognize differences in their religiosity and how their past influences may influence their current stance. The non-directive technique can be used in this therapeutic process. In this process, the client acts as the pivot of the session with the therapist. The goal is to promote client interdependence rather than to resolve the problem.

The humanistic approach may also be valuable in this therapeutic session. Through this approach, the clients will be able to address their issues with the help of a therapist. The case presents a religiously diverse family. Religion, despite being integral to individual well-being, may present relationship challenges. In the event of glaring issues attributable to religious differences, communicating religious interest and de-identifying self from destructive religious practices such as intolerance may be beneficial (Aman et al., 2019). The therapist should thus demonstrate religious awareness and provide care that will resolve present differences rather than create further rifts.

Self-of-the-Therapist

A specific challenge that may present when addressing this couple is how to address their religious differences without making either party aggrieved. This can, however, be addressed by maintaining culture-religious competence and utilizing best practices in communication. The non-directive technique can also be valuable in this approach as it prevents the therapists from over-committing. Specific strengths that will ensure successful intervention include enhanced communication skills and confidence while addressing the couple. Anticipated challenges may include the clients’ reluctance to adopt the therapy process’s provisions and remaining non-judgmental through the therapy process.

Scenario Three

Simon and Mitchel presented to the therapist to help them address an intimacy issue in their relationship.
Simon and Mitchel have been married for 15 years and have three children.
Simon is a 47-year-old Native American who served in the military for 25 years but is now running a charity organization. He is a college graduate who has studied law, is a Christian, and believes in social justice. He has earned a fortune over his career and is currently of high socioeconomic status.
Mitchel is a 43-year-old second-generation Mexican American female working as a teacher in a local school. She was raised in a low socioeconomic family as her parents struggled to make ends meet for her and her other seven siblings. She is a Catholic, born and raised in a catholic family. She subscribes to the Christian values of caring and sharing.
Couples presented for therapy because of the dramatic reduction in intimacy, increased fighting, and strained communication. Mitchel claims that her husband has recently not been interested in her or issues to do with their family. He comes home late, becomes aggressive when asked about his whereabouts, and is sometimes drunk. She is also not interested in sharing a bed with her. However, Simon denies that she has been avoiding his wife, claiming he often had difficulties at work. He also denies taking alcohol frequently. He, however, agrees that their relationship is staggering and that there are issues that they need to address.
The couple seems disengaged. Simon is mostly silent and only chips in when asked to. He is also noticeably drunk. Mitchel seems bitter about her husband’s situation. She is teary and is sometimes lost for words.

How to Approach the Case

Patient-centred approach maintains effectiveness in helping therapists identify and formulate their client’s problems. In this case, patient-centred approach will help the therapist identify the causal factors for Simon’s change in behavior and the factors that maintain it. This approach provides a framework for addressing the problem. It also informs future engagements with the clients.

The provisions of the behavioural theory can be used in this regard. Behavioural theory faults the environment for the presenting deviant behaviours. It postulates that an individual’s environment will likely influence their behaviour (Kazantzis & Dobson, 2022). If therefore, it places the burden on the therapist to identify environmental factors that may be facilitating an individual’s behavior. In this case, Simon’s behaviour change may result from environmental influence. This issue can be addressed by identifying aspects of his environment that may compound his behaviour. In this respect, therapy aims to help clients identify reinforcements that support the problematic patterns that result in their behaviour. Directive counselling techniques will be used. The therapist will help the client identify reinforcements to his behaviour.

The psychoanalytic approach is another theory that can be integrated into this therapy process. In this respect, the therapy will help the client identify past experiences that may be influencing his current psychological drive. The case presents a culturally diverse family. Cultural considerations during communication processes have to be made. Culturally sensitive communication approaches will have to be used when addressing these clients.

Self-of-the-Therapist

A blind spot that may present when addressing this couple is cross-cultural communication. This can, however, be addressed by maintaining culture-sensitive communication and sociocultural-attuned practice (McCarthy & Wald Ross, 2019). This will enable a greater understanding of the couple’s perspectives on gender roles and responsibilities in a marriage setup. Specific strengths ensuring successful intervention include enhanced communication skills and confidence while addressing the couple. Anticipated challenges may include the clients’ reluctance to adopt the therapy process’s provisions and remaining non-judgmental through the therapy process.

Scenario Four

James and Britney presented to the therapist to help them address an issue in their relationship.
James and Britney are planning to get married in a few months.
James is a 31-year-old Caucasian American male. He is a college graduate currently working as a financial consultant. He hails from a high socioeconomic family and has earned a fortune himself. He is a Christian.
Britney is a 33-year-old African American female working as a high school basketball coach. He did not finish her college education and is also not willing to continue her education. She is a Muslim who believes in helping others. She claims that seeing others grow has inspired her work as a coach and a mentor.
Britney presented to the therapist to report her husband’s continuous and excessive use of pornography and a reduction in overall intimacy ahead of their wedding. She claims that she increasingly finds pornography materials on his desktop and that James has reduced the frequency of communicating with her. She finds this weird, considering it’s just a few months before they are married, and she is beginning to have second thoughts on this marriage arrangement. James is apologetic about the pornography and reports that he hopes to work on it. He notes that he loves her and looks forward to their wedding day.
The couples seem to recognize problems within their relationships. They, however, have not been able to find a framework for addressing these problems. While James recognizes his addiction to pornography, he maintains reluctance in talking about it. Assessment of the case reveals overall responsiveness to engagements between the client and the therapist.

How to Approach the Case

A patient-centred approach will be used to help define and formulate the presenting problem. In this case, the counsellor should maintain congruence, remain empathetic, and have unconditional positive regard for the client to help them establish the comfort necessary for dealing with sexual problems (Hipp & Carlson, 2019). This will enable them to understand the extent of the problem fully.

The provisions of cognitive behavioural theory can be used in this couple’s case. This theory postulates the connections between an individual’s thoughts, behaviour, emotions, and body sensations. This theory is fitting in this case as it maintains effectiveness in addressing problematic sexual behaviours such as pornography among couples (Lotfi et al., 2021). The goal of this therapy is to identify environmental influences and thoughts that may be reinforcing the behaviour the client is presented with. A direct counselling technique will be used in this regard. It implores the therapist to guide the client in identifying reinforcements to his behaviour.

Supportive talk therapy is another theory that may be utilized to address James’ problem. Supportive therapy utilizes a dyadic approach to address symptoms and enhances individual self-esteem and adaptive skills. This can be particularly beneficial in correcting James’ behaviour. The case presents a culturally diverse family. Cultural considerations must be made when engaging these couples due to their different cultural backgrounds.

Self-of-the-Therapist

The case presented revealed specific challenges couples experience. Relationship therapy maintains effectiveness in addressing these challenges. This therapeutic intervention utilizes several approaches and integrates various counselling theories to address these challenges. As evident in these scenarios, cognitive theory can be leveraged to provide a framework for solving various couples’ challenges. However, the success of these interventions depends on the therapist’s factors, such as their confidence and knowledge base in addressing couples’ challenges.

References

Aman, J., Abbas, J., Nurunnabi, M., & Bano, S. (2019). The relationship of religiosity and marital satisfaction: The role of religious commitment and practices on marital satisfaction among Pakistani respondents. Behavioral Sciences, 9(3), 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs9030030

ChenFeng, J., Kim, L., Wu, Y., & Knudson-Martin, C. (2016). Addressing culture, gender, and power with Asian American couples: Application of socio-emotional relationship therapy. Family Process, 56(3), 558–573. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12251

Hipp, C. J., & Carlson, R. G. (2019). Comfort in treating sexual problems: Current training and counsellor self-efficacy. The Family Journal, 27(2), 105–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480719835342

Joseph, S. (2021). How humanistic is positive psychology? Lessons in positive psychology from Carl Rogers’ person-centred approach—the social environment must change. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.709789

Kazantzis, N., & Dobson, K. S. (2022). Therapeutic relationships in cognitive behavioural therapy: Theory and recent research. Psychotherapy Research, 32(8), 969–971. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2022.2124047

Lotfi, A., Babakhanin, M., & Ghazanfarpour, M. (2021). The effectiveness of intervention with cognitive behavioural therapy on pornography: A systematic review protocol of Randomized Clinical Trial Studies. Health Science Reports, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.341

McCarthy, B., & Wald Ross, L. (2019). Therapist values: Assessing and treating traditional and nontraditional relationships. The Family Journal, 27(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480718811327.

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Question

Construct an action plan with four different case scenarios (relationship therapy scenarios) you create. These four scenarios should represent the breadth of information and diverse populations and attributes. These four scenarios will be discussed in a paper format, meeting the criteria below.

Relationship Scenarios

For each scenario, you will begin with a background of the case. Please use a bulleted list for these descriptors rather than a narrative form. This is an abbreviated case conceptualization and should include the following variables:

Identify who is in the relationship. (Who will be coming to therapy?)
Indicate each partner’s identities – this could include race, culture, background, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, age, education, socio-economic background, etc. (Note: Please be diverse in your creation of scenarios; scenarios should represent diversity in relationships.)
Explain the primary reason the partners seek relationship therapy (the presenting problem).
Identify any noticeable challenges other than the presenting problem that the couple might be facing (e.g., maybe there is violence in their past, maybe there is substance abuse, maybe the couple isn’t comfortable talking about their feelings).

After the case conceptualization, you will consider the direction of the case and how you might approach it. Be sure to include the following:

How will you (systemically) define the presenting problem and any other challenges the partners are experiencing?
What theory and/or approach would you use to talk with these clients?
- Discuss why this approach is fitting.
- According to this approach, what would be the goal of therapy?
- Explain what this would look like. (e.g., what techniques you might apply)
Would you integrate any other approach or theory?
Consider the clients’ uniqueness (e.g., areas where they are marginalized, things about them that differ from yours) and how you would approach these differences.

Self-of-the-therapist – As you think about this case and your direction, consider the following:

Situating yourself and your context of relationships, can you see any biases or blind spots you might have working with this case?
- If so, what are these, and how can you overcome them?
What strengths do you feel you would bring to this case?
What challenges do you think you would have in working with this case?

Relationship Scenarios