23. Treating Couples Flashcards
Contact Between Sessions:
If a client contacts a SW between sessions, they must re-direct that client to bring it back up during a session
If an unplanned session were to occur, it shows that the SW appears to take sides during couples treatment
If a client is already receiving couples’ therapy, but at a later time calls and says they want individual therapy, SW should then tell them to bring it up during their session
No Secrets Policy:
When doing individual therapy, everything is confidential unless mandated
When doing couple’s therapy, both clients still have a right to confidentiality
However, if one of them shares information outside a session (having an affair), then the SW must tell them in advance that if there is a secret that happens outside session then they have a right to share that information with the significant other if they find it necessary and how it impacts therapy
Common Interventions:
In couple’s therapy, common interventions include teaching active-listening skills and role reversals (stay at home mom or working dad to talk and imagine what it is like to be the other person to have some sympathy)
