MRI : Mental Research Institute

Question 1

Theorist associated with MRI

Answer 1

Watzlawick, Weakland, Fisch , Jackson, Sluzki

Question 2

Theory of Dysfunction:

Answer 2

The Families attempt at the solutions become the problem. This creates a vicious cycle of mishandled attempts. “More of the Same” from the family

Question 3

The Goal of Therapy:

Answer 3

Create Second Order change and stop the vicious cycle.

Question 4

Theory of Change:

Answer 4

• Change the complementary, interdependent nature of the symptom.
• Change interactional sequence by identifying the “vicious cycle” along with the behaviors and perceptions that support it.

Question 5

Stages of Therapy:

Answer 5

• Intro to the treatment set up
• Inquiry and definition of the problem
• Estimation of the behavior maintaining the problem
• Setting goals for treatment
• Selecting and making behavioral interventions
• Termination

Question 6

Length of Therapy:

Answer 6

Short-Term, once the problem has been solved therapy is over no matter what has come up during session.

Question 7

Who Creates the goal of therapy?

Answer 7

The Therapist

Question 8

Stance of the Therapy:

Answer 8

• Active
• Clients are viewed as the customer
• Attends to process more than content
• Team approach ( behind a one way mirror)

Question 9

Methods and Techniques:

Answer 9

• Find most motivated person in the system
• Symptom focused approach
• Task in and out of session
• Therapeutic Paradox
• Encourage family members to interact with each other
• Observe sequence of behaviors
• Define maladaptive, interactional sequence
• Symptom/ Problem resolution

Question 10

Diagnosis and Assessment

Answer 10

• Non-Historic
• Symptom Focused
• Determining sequence of symptoms maintaining behaviors
• Instances of Circular Causality

Question 11

Major Concepts:

Answer 11

• Communication Theory
• First and Second Order Change
• Incorporates the cybernetic concept of the positive feedback loops
• Life Cycle Transitions of both individual and family
• Problematic Behavior is a function of interaction with other people - Primary determinant of a person’s behavior is other peoples behaviors
• The client’s complaint is the problem not a symptom of something else
• Therapist determines goals

Question 12

First Order Change

Answer 12

Behavioral

Question 13

Second Order Change

Answer 13

Change in perception

Question 14

Positive Feedback Loop

Answer 14

Promotes change. Amplifies deviations which increase instability to facilitate change.

Question 15

Negative Feedback Loop

Answer 15

Homeostatic. Information that serves to minimize deviation, Keeps the system functioning within prescribed limits.