Epigenetics: Definition and Family History

Epigenetics Definition

Epigenetics refers to the learning of fluctuations in creatures induced by gene expression alteration instead of modification of the genetic code itself. Mantovani and Fucic (2021) further define the term as heritable changes that are not a result of variations in DNA sequence. Histone modification, acetylation, and DNA methylation are responsible for epigenetics occurrences. The processes act by varying the chromatin structure and DNA accessibility, thus amending configurations of gene manifestation (Kumari et al., 2020). The DNA methylation and histone effects are essential and regular events in that they help in the differentiation and development of distinctive cell ancestries in adult organisms.

Epigenetic and Family History

Epigenetics holds a significant explanation for why even identical twins frequently exhibit different traits. According to the theory, nature and nurture play crucial roles during a persons development (Mantovani & Fucic, 2021). Mantovani and Fucic (2021) say that children always inherit genes from their parents, which influence their development and growth. For example, the parents gene determines the height and temperament of the child due to the inheritance aspect. However, epigenetics maintain that variations in experiences during a young ones development rearrange the genetic marks governing gene expression, thereby varying the release of information by the gene. Therefore, epigenetics explain the effects of early experiences on lifelong situations.

Undertaking an interview on my family history revealed several interesting findings, including the family trauma history. The interview reiterates the essence of epigenetics among all families and across generations. Trauma and insomnia are common challenges in my family, based on the interview, as noted earlier. The inquiry involved over two thousand members of the larger family living in different places. As per the findings, about five young adults in my family exhibit insomnia, fear, and chills and are school dropouts. Three percent of the familys children fear falling asleep because of the feeling that a terrible thing may happen when sleeping. The situation leads to frequent screams and night walks, often disturbing the parents of the children and close relatives. Family members depicting fear and insomnia issues are between nineteen and twenty years, as per the interview.

A further investigation into the familys lineage implies a meaningful connection between the current occurrences and the past. Over twenty members of the family line experienced similar feelings almost simultaneously. Thomas is a distant relative and the latest culprit to experience such trauma. He, Thomas, is a famous college baseball player but no longer attends school. He also fears sleeping and makes intense screams whenever he finds himself asleep. Thomas is nineteen years old and leads a depressing life, which forces him to seek Mark Wolynns, a San Francisco family therapists, intervention. The event led to the revelation that Thomas experiences identical trouble to his uncle, Graham, who passed away twenty years ago. Graham suffered hypothermia in a blizzard and was nineteen years, exactly Thomas age.

One Article on Epigenetics

Al Jowf et al. (2021) provide crucial information linking genetic information to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. The article notes that about eight percent of the worlds population suffers from terminal stress-related conditions. This aspect imposes a substantial burden on the worlds economy and the general health system. PTSD affects people after experiencing traumatic situations in the past or during life. The encounter triggers predominant risk factors in the victims brains, causing them to live in fear or distress (Al Jowf et al., 2021). According to the researchers, experiencing stress for a prolonged period also leads to PTSD symptoms. The scholars thus prove stress as an example of the environmental aspects causing variation in genetic expression.

Susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder varies across different people worldwide. About ninety percent of the global population encounters stressful occurrences almost daily, while only less than ten percent develop PTSD (Al Jowf et al., 2021). Al Jowf et al. associate such a difference with crucial inter-individual variations, mostly related to epigenetic concerns. As per Al Jowf et al. (2021), Epigenetics connotes the environmentally subtle alterations to RNA and DNA molecules that control gene dictation deprived of changing the genetic sequence. The researchers base their study on biochemical, molecular biological, and physiological modifications in PTSD to investigate the role of epigenetics in the matter. Consequently, the article holds a substantial ability to explain the prevalence of trauma in our family.

Epigenesis Concept and My Family History

Epigenesis generally refers to a biological theory insisting that embryos develop gradually from an identical egg cell. Such implies the deep connection and genetic relationship in the family lineage, where mainly a childs experiences play the differentiation role. Thomas and Grahams case significantly proves the epigenesis theorys effectiveness in our family. Thomas is nineteen years old and experiences precisely the same conditions his late uncle depicted thirty years ago. The situation forces Thomas to leave school and drop his brilliant baseball career, piling more stress and pressure. The case shows that most of the embryos in my family lineage come from an identical parent, who probably exhibited stress and depression conditions. The variation in childhood experiences further seems to be the safeguarding factor for most of my family members who do not have Thomas symptoms. Moreover, looking at other families linages also depicts critical hereditary problem that often affects the families adversely. Therefore, the reality among the global families makes epigenesis an actual biological model worth explaining numerous challenges affecting domestic lineages.

The Living to 100 Questionnaires

My response to the Living to 100 returned a report that I will reach one hundred years, as shown by Appendix 1. The report utilizes several questions that check an individuals family, medical, health, professional, and academic history. Issues of concern under the daily living process in the questionnaire include undertaking physical exercise, eating healthy meals, having regular medical checkups, and the age and dependence of parents. The questionnaire also seeks information about terminal conditions among parents and close family members to return the report. Learning the essence of physical exercise, maintaining a healthy BMI, undertaking regular medical inspections, and avoiding stress through practices such as meditation helped me to believe the questionnaires report. The point that my parents are healthy while I never use either alcohol or tobacco further increases my expectation to live to one hundred years.

Ways to Improve My Health

The Living to 100 questionnaires raised a critical issue concerning my busy life and tendency to consume junk and carbonated sugar when committed. I work over eighty hours a week while sleeping less than eight hours a day often. My busy life also disrupts my exercise ability and schedule regularly. During the questionnaires, the inability to quote my blood pressure, LDL, and HDL levels also concerned me significantly. That is why I am determined to improve my medical health checkups to meet my health dream.

References

Al Jowf, G. I., Snijders, C., Rutten, B. P. F., de Nijs, L., & Eijssen, L. M. T. (2021). The molecular biology of susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder: Highlights of epigenetics and epigenomics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(19). Web.

Kumari, N., Karmakar, A., & Ganesan, S. K. (2020). Targeting epigenetic modifications as a potential therapeutic option for diabetic retinopathy. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 235(3), 19331947. Web.

Mantovani, A., & Fucic, A. (2021). Challenges in endocrine disruptor toxicology and risk assessment (Ser. Issues in toxicology, 42). Royal Society of Chemistry.

Appendix 1

Life Expectancy Calculator

Changes in Family Structure

Introduction

The family is often considered to be the most influential agent of socialization. A family can affect not only its members but also the structure of a society or culture. However, families change under the influence of the world as well. In fact, the developments in the family structure can be explained by a number of factors, including historical events and human progress. The trend towards diverse families, for instance, continues to bring changes to the modern family structure and affect every person in and out of ones household. Moreover, differences in marriage and family can also be explained by some cultural, racial, and personal differences of individuals.

This paper aims to explore the changing history of the family structure, describe the differences between families according to various aspects, and evaluate the current trend of diversification in households.

Importance in Socialization

The role of the family in ones socialization cannot be overstated. There are many agents of socialization. However, the family is considered to be the most important one for a number of reasons. First of all, significant progress in ones ability to socialize happens in childhood, when young people learn the traditions and norms of interaction with other people. During this time, the family can be the only significant structure in a childs life, which explains the importance of parental guidance. According to Meyer, Raikes, Virmani, Waters, and Thompson (2014), parents can, directly and indirectly, affect their children by expressing their emotions.

Then, children can mimic their ways of expression and use the acquired knowledge later in life. Moreover, early socialization happens when a person does not have enough freedom to make his or her own choices. Therefore, parents and guardians become the main individuals that a young child can interact with throughout the day. Their teachings are then used by children to socialize with their peers or other adults. Thus, the impact of family on ones socialization is vital to a person.

Changes of the American Family

The changes that occurred in the structure of the American family are not unique to one country. These alterations happened in most developed countries that followed the same pattern of industrialization and technological progress. These states also went through the so-called gender revolution which affected the way people perceive their place in the world in relation to the places of other people.

For instance, according to Goldscheider, Bernhardt, and Lappegård (2015), the traditional household usually included a stable structure of roles, which were assigned to every member of the family. A working husband and a housewife were the two major types of occupations for men and women respectively. Moreover, childbirth was firmly connected to marriage. Currently, both marriage and birth are not inherently correlated with the concept of family as many people choose not to marry or have children nonmaritally (Goldscheider et al., 2015). Furthermore, the roles of parents in the modern household also shift towards the lack of boundaries as both men and women often want to pursue a career.

The changes in family roles can be explained by females participating more actively in labor than they did before. This gender revolution influenced the way people view themselves as women became independent with time. The position of a housewife put the financial responsibility on one part of the family, which significantly affected the relationship dynamic. Now, members of families can be considered equal as both adults can work and contribute to the household financially. Moreover, both parents can look after their children.

Differences in Marriage and Family Life

While families in most parts of the country follow similar patterns, some differences based on peoples socioeconomic status and demographics. For instance, class difference is one of the factors that may determine the way people view marriages and family life. Social class variation is hard to pinpoint in the continuously changing environment of the country. For example, relationship progression for some partners may differ on the basis of personal preferences more than on other factors.

However, Steinmetz and Sussman (2013) state that child-parent communication, for example, can differ from one class to another. The concept of obedience is more developed in lower-class households, while middle-class parents focus more on such notions as happiness and achievement. Furthermore, cohabitation without marriage is more prevalent among people of the working-class as it is financially advantageous to both partners.

Race can also be a factor affecting ones perception of family life. Here, economic and cultural traditions create a structure that some people follow historically. Diverse families, for example, may face some issues based on the inequality of partners at work or in social life. According to Bloome (2014), racial inequality is present in many households as African American individuals often have lower incomes than their white partners.

Thus, the problem of equality becomes more critical. Gender creates similar differences in peoples families with female partners earning less money than men on average. Here, gender also affects the reasons people decide to get married. However, currently, many people move away from marriage and choose cohabitation as the most profitable way of living. The shift in traditions does not put the same amount of pressure on partners to get married.

Trend towards Diverse Families

In my opinion, the shift towards diverse families can be viewed as positive. First of all, modern economics and politics do not enforce a strong social class structure that may have influenced different households before. Therefore, the rising number of diverse families creates a more balanced picture of incomes and relations. Moreover, diversity promotes cultural education and tolerance, which in turn reduces various sociocultural tensions.

Politically, diverse families encourage freedom of choice and equality, which may positively affect peoples view of the family life and allow more individuals to create a stable and prosperous household (Steinmetz & Sussman, 2013). The disparities between people regarding such aspects as ones status, gender, and race can be lowered by encouraging diversification. Complicated histories and cultures of diverse families can also bring more flexibility and adaptability to the next generation.

Womens Rights in Traditional Families

The stereotypes of traditional families that one can define about households of the pre-World War II era include a rigid structure of gendered occupations and various limitations for women. After the war, women started to gain more independence and mobility, which significantly affected the family structure. Currently, womens rights allow them to participate in all spheres of life. The shift to traditional families would repress womens ability to work. The inequality of traditional households is no longer accepted as standard in modern views on family. Thus, womens rights would regress considerably because of this change. Moreover, the emphasis on having and raising children without the partners help would also put more pressure on women and their independence.

Conclusion

The idea of the family in America continuously changes. Currently, partners in families become more independent, and the relationship itself becomes more informal than before. While households become more diverse than ever, race, class, and gender still affect some aspects of marriage and family life. Women gained more rights in recent years, which also shaped the modern family structure. Although many elements of the family change, it remains the most important agent of socialization for all its members.

References

Bloome, D. (2014). Racial inequality trends and the intergenerational persistence of income and family structure. American Sociological Review, 79(6), 1196-1225.

Goldscheider, F., Bernhardt, E., & Lappegård, T. (2015). The gender revolution: A framework for understanding changing family and demographic behavior. Population and Development Review, 41(2), 207-239.

Meyer, S., Raikes, H. A., Virmani, E. A., Waters, S., & Thompson, R. A. (2014). Parent emotion representations and the socialization of emotion regulation in the family. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 38(2), 164-173.

Steinmetz, S. K., & Sussman, M. B. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of marriage and the family. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.

Families in America: The Main Problems

The health of families is an evergreen topic, especially in modern society. Despite being the basic unit of society, families experience various problems that make their survival and development a major issue. Statistics indicate at least 50% of marriages in the United States end up in divorce or separation (Schweizer, 2020, p. 1). Children tend to be the most affected victims of unstable families. In most cases, these issues not only affect children in their childhood but pose significant consequences in their adult life, which may undermine how they establish and maintain relationships. This paper discusses three major issues affecting families in America: financial constraints, domestic violence, and infidelity.

Economic hardships tend to pose significant emotional distress to family members, especially parents, making it difficult to concentrate on other important family issues, such as caring for the children. This stress detaches the emotional connection between spouses and their children (Jimenez Law Firm, 2021). Many parents experiencing financial constraints are likely to spend most of their time looking for livelihood than being with their families. Therefore, children are likely to be starved of parental love, thus making them vulnerable to emotional disorders. Additionally, a lack of finances undermines the familys ability to meet its basic needs, such as providing quality education for children, and other expenses, such as quality medical coverage (Jimenez Law Firm, 2021). The inability to meet basic needs lowers the familys quality of life and makes the family susceptible to health issues, such as depression.

Domestic violence is another significant issue affecting many families in the United States. Despite vibrant campaigns to end domestic violence, this issue remains common in modern society. Although victims of domestic violence can be of any gender, women remain the most affected by this vice (Gulati & Kelly, 2020). According to research data, at least one in every four women is affected by domestic violence compared to one in every nine men (Gulati & Kelly, 2020). This issue is estimated that at least ten million people are affected yearly (Gulati & Kelly, 2020). There are various types of domestic violence in the United States, including elderly, intimate, and child abuse. Intimate partner abuse is the most common form of domestic violence in the United States, accounting for at least 15% of all reported violent crimes (Gulati & Kelly, 2020, p. 10). Domestic violence has often been perceived as a psychological need to establish superiority and dominance in the family.

This stereotypic behavior affects both the emotional and physical health of victims. For instance, it is reported that the accessibility to a firearm in a domestic violence scenario increases the chances of homicide by at least 500% (Gulati & Kelly, 2020, p. 2). Survivors of domestic violence tend to develop psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which taints their ability to relate effectively with other family members and society. Although children may not be the direct victims of domestic violence, they are likely to be the most affected psychologically and behaviorally. Children from families experiencing domestic violence tend to experience sleeping difficulties and low self-esteem. As a consequence, such children may exhibit poor performance in school. Furthermore, such children may engage in drug and substance abuse to reduce the emotional stress they may be experiencing due to domestic violence. Children exposed to long-term domestic abuse may feel responsible for fixing their family problems, which may overburden them emotionally and physically.

Other than domestic violence and financial constraints, relationship issues, such as infidelity, affect many families in the United States. Infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce. It is estimated that at least 55% of divorce cases are caused by infidelity (Yuan & Weiser, 2019, p. 2). This issue tends to create secondary problems such as lack of commitment and gender-based violence, affecting children and the entire family. Couples who have extramarital affairs are likely to be less involved in the matters of their families because they are preoccupied with sustaining their affairs. Additionally, infidelity is likely to cause guilt which may affect the relationship between the parent and their children. Moreover, children whose parents experience marriage instability due to extramarital affairs are likely to develop withdrawal symptoms and reduce their trust in their parents (Yuan & Weiser, 2019). Such children may experience anxiety and anger, affecting their ability to establish and maintain relationships.

Families experiencing these issues will likely disintegrate without proper mechanisms to address these issues and subject childrens future to limbo. For instance, financial constraints may lead to frequent arguments and conflicts between parents due to the inability to meet family needs leading to separation (Conroy et al., 2018). Additionally, increased domestic violence is likely to increase emotional distress and physical injuries to the victims and children of the affected families. Increased emotional and physical stability among families due to domestic violence is likely to increase the rate of homicides and suicides in the United States (Conroy et al., 2018). Lastly, unresolved relationship issues are likely to increase the rate of divorce and undermine the emotional connection between the parents and children. Such children are likely to develop trust problems making their adulthood relationships problematic. Without addressing these issues, affected children are likely to grow into adults who are less committed to relationships making future families equally problematic. Children experiencing these problems develop negative perceptions towards marriages and tend to avoid establishing families to shun such problems.

Addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach involving all the affected parties, including parents and children. This approach should include raising awareness among families about how these issues affect children and threaten families survival in the present and future. For this mechanism to be effective, the issues need to be addressed at both the individual and societal levels. At the individual level, affected families need to be subjected to psychological therapy to enable them to resolve family issues in an understanding manner. Therapies play a significant role in changing ones perception regarding critical issues that one may be experiencing (Conroy et al., 2018). In this regard, violent and unfaithful people are likely to change their behavior to consider their families. At the societal level, there is a need to increase awareness of the need to end domestic violence and infidelity to promote peaceful coexistence in the family. Furthermore, society needs to be educated on effective ways of managing their finances and ways of addressing the issue of financial constraints without affecting children and other members of the family.

There is a need to implement state policies against domestic violence to discourage potential perpetrators from engaging in such heinous acts. These policies should toughen penalties for domestic violence as a deterrence. Other policies should include offering financial aid to families experiencing financial difficulties. These issues need to be introduced into the education system to allow children to learn how to handle such issues and gain an understanding of maintaining families efficiently.

References

Conroy, A. A., McKenna, S. A., Comfort, M. L., Darbes, L. A., Tan, J. Y., & Mkandawire, J. (2018). Marital infidelity, food insecurity, and couple instability: A web of challenges for dyadic coordination around antiretroviral therapy. Social Science & Medicine, 214, 110-117. Web.

Gulati, G., & Kelly, B. D. (2020). Domestic violence against women and the COVID-19 pandemic: What is the role of psychiatry? International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 71, 101594.

Jimenez Law Firm. (2021). Finances and Divorce rates in America | Why financial problems lead to divorce. The Jimenez Law Firm. Web.

Schweizer, V. (2020). Divorce: More than a century of change, 1900-2018. Washington, DC, National Center for Family & Marriage Reasearch-Bowling Green State University.

Yuan, S., & Weiser, D. A. (2019). Relationship dissolution following marital infidelity: Comparing European Americans and Asian Americans. Marriage & Family Review, 55(7), 631-650. Web.

Postmodern and Family Systems Therapy

Introduction

Defining postmodern therapy

Life is based on certain common beliefs held by people unanimously. Postmodern therapy is a field in psychology that concentrates on deconstructing these beliefs as well as examining their value in a persons life (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2001).

Some of the subjects where postmodern therapy has been so much felting are, for instance, the definition of the term success. Success attracts a number of different approaches in its definition based on individual understanding of the word. Success if different as it is comprehended differently from one person to the other. Some uphold the materialistic definition of success, where it is measured by the amount of property owned and monetary value attached to the property. Other people find success to be an emotional feeling of contentment with life and being satisfied regardless of the financial circumstances.

Types of postmodern therapy

There are three different types of postmodern therapy, namely, narrative therapy, collaborative therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Narrative therapy

The first type of three postmodern therapies is narrative therapy. This is a psychotherapy that uses narration as a form of treatment. The therapy was conceptualized in Australia by two colleagues in the 1970s. The narrative theory holds the idea that an individuals identity is explained through their life experience according to their narrations (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2001).

. Narrative therapists are interested in getting to understand the patients life story and way of life in order to comprehend the influences his or her environment has contributed to his or her problem. People through narrative therapy are able to reflect on their past and make changes that contribute to making them better people.

This involves a lot of investigation and soul searching. The therapist is characterized by numerous questioning while the client tries to regain their lost lives from the prevailing problem. The questions are designed to try and examine how the problem has impacted the lives of the client. The fact that the person is still responding to questions means that the problem has not overwhelmed him or her. Therefore some study comes up again regarding the clients resilience to the problem.

Collaborative therapy

Under this theory, both the therapist and the client are given the same attention as both sides are given equal weight. The therapy involves the client more in the treatment process. Clients opinions regarding goals, directions, and responses during the treatment process is highly put into consideration. In this process, there is a lot of transparency where the client is made to understand the results of the process in a language they can comprehend (Boston, 2000). Clients can disagree or even ask questions as well as correct the therapist where they feel like he or she is wrong on a certain decision. Therapists in this theory are expected to have a not-knowing approach while initiating a treatment process. In addition, therapists must be flexible enough to allow alteration of their ideas whenever a client chooses to do so.

Solution-focused therapy

This theory is also referred to as the brief theory, which is a theory that focuses on helping the client to achieve their goals in the treatment process rather than focusing on the problems of the client. Its focus is not based on the past of the clients life events; rather, emphases are laid to the present situation and future expectations. The therapist asks the client questions regarding his or her story and resources that are the basis of the clients exactions. This is a social constructionist approach to life. Therapists believe that a persons life can be changed or be transformed if he or she establishes the things in their lives that they rather had changed. This gives the client an opportunity to pursue a life in a more objective approach by changing things they wish they had changed and also attending to the things they are happy about in their lives.

Benefits of postmodern therapy

The postmodern theory includes a number of personality theories. Why people behave, the way they do is, therefore, the real meaning of personality. Personality is an intrinsic development caused by certain body responses and traits that define an individual. There have been a number of developments to explain these traits and why they happen as well as how they happen. Consequently, this has led psychologists to developing theoretical explanations to define personality.

Mikulincer & Shaver (2001) define personality as patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person unique. Personalities have several characteristics including the fact that they are consistent through out an individuals lifetime; they are both psychological and physiological processes, they influence behaviors and actions and that they are exhibited in more than just behavioral traits (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2001).

Types of personality theories include the attachment theory of the developmental theories. The others include Freuds theory of psychosexual development, Eriksons theory of psychosocial development, Piagets theory of cognitive development, kohlbergs theory of moral development, attachment theory and parenting styles (Boston, 2000). Some of these categories include behavioral theories, cognitive theories, developmental theories, humanistic theories, personality theories, social psychology theories as well as learning theories (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2001).

Postmodern therapy is a very reliable way of effecting solutions in psychosocial problems. For example, the narrative therapy takes the patients through the historical events in their life that helps to both the therapist and the client the root of the problem. With such an approach, a long term solution is reached upon. This insight through a reflection of the past is crucial in understanding a persons behavior. The creators of the narrative therapy style were greatly impacted by social constructionism and constructivism. Both social constructionism and constructivism views refuted the general absolute truth ideology.

In contrast to this, the view holds that truth is based on language and societal interaction (Boston, 2000). Narrative therapy helps clients in finding out and building fresh realties, revealing meaning, mending the past problem and creating new narrations that outline influential ethnographies. Narrative therapy works out the problem by making it the center of focus and, re-constructs problem-saturated stories to increase the outlook of self, maps the effects of the problem over time, and predicts exclusive results that signify new truths and realizes client strengths (Boston, 2000).

Art and postmodern theory

While art has extensively been used for therapeutic and divine healing in many societies, as a specialized curative modality, it was conceptualized in 1940s, owing to the hard work of art therapy initiators (Tap & Wright, 2005). Then it was viewed and regarded as a modality for persons with psychological illness. Art therapy with families had unprecedented origins. It is true that family art therapy has beginning comparable to those that stirred the growth of family systems theory (Boston, 2000). Boston (2000) gives the first guide for clinicians by means of art with families that incorporated a concise hypothetical combination of art and family therapy replica.

In recent times, Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson (2004) gave comprehensive deliberations of family therapy models and the combination of art therapy intercession into these diverse models. Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson (2004) demonstration is diverse and commenced with a hierarchical psychoanalytic viewpoint on the significance of art yield. Consequently, this led to a more postmodern family systems approach where the counselor and the client co-constructed sense. Extra efforts that incorporated art therapy with family therapy were the development of the Kinetic Family Drawing KFD and strategy for assessment of these drawings (Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson, 2004).

Impacts of the theory as a treatment process

These appraisal courses of action are very precise; for instance, the existence of a lawnmower is linked with antagonism (Sonkin & Dutton, 2003). While a lot of people may see these strategies at probability with present postmodern philosophy that hold several truths, the Kinetic Family Drawing is still practical instrument. Supplementary efforts to incorporate these two ideologies depict the application of art therapy as cure. Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson (2004) illustrate in a clear manner the use of art therapy with families in calamity. In their case study they established the exercise of art therapy ideology in a family with a narration or whose been exposed to circumstances deemed as child abuse.

The two asserts that art therapy gives better modes communication for the family which influences positive changes. On the other hand, the uses of both play and art therapy approaches can be demonstrated with troubled children and their caregivers.

Boston (2000) portrays the significance of art therapy strategy for tackling the societal and gender disparity as a problem in the cure of mostly women and their families, demonstrating how the application of art is tool for clients who are from the minor cultures. Art therapy as a field of study is more aligned to the significance of neuroscience to art as opposed to the other way round.

In recent times, Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson (2004) gave comprehensive deliberations of family therapy models and the combination of art therapy intercession into these diverse models. Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson (2004) demonstration is diverse and commenced with a hierarchical psychoanalytic viewpoint on the significance of art yield. Consequently, this led to a more postmodern family systems approach where the counselor and the client co-constructed sense. Extra efforts that incorporated art therapy with family therapy were the development of the Kinetic Family Drawing KFD and strategy for assessment of these drawings (Sonkin & Dutton, 2003).

These appraisal courses of action are very precise; for instance, the existence of a lawnmower is linked with antagonism. While a lot of people may see these strategies at probability with present postmodern philosophy that hold several truths, the Kinetic Family Drawing is still practical instrument. Supplementary efforts to incorporate these two ideologies depict the application of art therapy as cure. Hertlein, Lambert-Shute & Benson (2004) illustrate in a clear manner the use of art therapy with families in calamity. In their case study, they established the exercise of art therapy ideology in a family with a narration or whose been exposed to circumstances deemed as child abuse.

The two asserts that art therapy gives better modes communication for the family which influences positive changes. On the other hand, the uses of both play and art therapy approaches can be demonstrated with troubled children and their caregivers.

Boston (2000) portrays the significance of art therapy strategy for tackling the societal and gender disparity as a problem in the cure of mostly women and their families, demonstrating how the application of art is tool for clients who are from the minor cultures. Art therapy, as a field of study, is more aligned to the significance of neuroscience to art as opposed to the other way round.

Conclusion

There are more than enough neurological writings that depict the use of illustration actions for the intention of neurological assessment and recognition of definite intellect dysfunction. Nevertheless, there are limited or non written materials in the field of neurosciences that illustrate the use of art in healing. Tap & Wright (2005) explain a neurophysiologic strategy to the use of art therapy with teaching physically challenged kids. A case study verified the function of this strategy with a young boy who could not read. Widening the utilization of art from its use through physically challenged populations, Tap & Wright (2005) used illustration as a way to contact the intrinsic increasingly idle sensitive right brain self-healing ability.

Text reflecting a combination of neuroscience and family therapy is comparatively uncommon. This is due to the connection between an individuals context inside an association structure and the individuals physiology. Boston (2000) summarized the connection amid point of segregation of personality and apprehension and emphasized the importance of considering better methods in the treatment of physiological disorders. From a related point of view, Tap & Wright (2005) portray the control of point of segregation on levels of nervousness and give thorough images of the physiological procedures and harm that result from constant worry (Tap & Wright, 2005).

References

Boston, P. (2000). Systemic family therapy and the influence of post-modernism. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 6: 450-457. Print.

Hertlein, M. K., Lambert-Shute, J., & Benson, K. (2004). Postmodern Influence in Family Therapy Research: Reflections of Graduate Students. The Qualitative Report, 9: 538-561. Print.

Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2001). Attachment theory and intergroup bias: Evidence that priming the secure base schema attenuates negative reactions to out-groups. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81: 97-115. Print.

Sonkin, D., & Dutton, D. (2003). Treatment assaultive men from an attachment perspective. Intimate Violence: Contemporary Treatment Innovations. New York: Haworth Publishing. Print.

Tap, D. M., & Wright, L.M. (1996). Live supervision and family systems nursing: postmodern influences and dilemmas. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 3: 225-233. Print.

The Strategic Family Therapy Model

Strategic therapy is a treatment created to handle family functioning issues with a focus on adolescent behavioral problems and drug usage. Gregory Bateson and Milton Ericson coined the term strategic therapy in the 1950s (Szapocznik & Hervis, 2020). MFT is categorized in the brief therapies group because it has twelve to sixteen sessions (Carr, 2019). The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2021) discusses MFTs effectiveness in reducing behavioral issues and social aggression, improving family engagement and overall functioning, and decreasing cases of substance abuse. The strategic family therapy model has two major interventions: paradoxical and directed tasks.

Both the directed and paradoxical tasks are methods that ask families to engage in certain behaviors but they take different approaches. In direct tasks, the family does something that disrupts unwanted conduct (Szapocznik & Hervis, 2020). Paradoxical tasks require the family to continue doing what they consider unwanted (Besharat, 2019). One example of a directed task is when a parent asks a crying child to continue crying for another ten or twenty minutes. In response, the teenager is most likely going to stop crying immediately, disrupting the behavior. Paradoxical tasks utilize the concept of reverse psychology and are often complex. For example, a parent will ask a child who does not brush not to do so for the next ten days, triggering him to brush his teeth.

Cultural and ethical issues arise with MFT because therapists develop treatment plans, including choosing the tasks to be implemented. LebensohnChialvo et al. (2019) argue that treatment fidelity is the most pressing challenge for therapists because it requires that all treatment plans are consistent with established manuals. Therapists must respect their clients cultural beliefs and respect boundaries. All the chosen tasks must remain within ethical and cultural confines.

References

Besharat M, N. M. (2019). Paradox therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A case study. J Syst Integr Neurosci., 6(1).

Carr, A. (2019). Family therapy and systemic interventions for childfocused problems: The current evidence base. Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 153-213.

LebensohnChialvo, F., Rohrbaugh, M. J., & Hasler, B. P. (2019). Fidelity failures in brief strategic family therapy for adolescent drug abuse: A clinical analysis. Family Process, 58(2), 305-317. Web.

Szapocznik, J., & Hervis, O. E. (2020). Brief strategic family therapy. American Psychological Association. Web.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. (2021). Evidence for the best program: Outcomes. Web.

Person-Centered Approach to Family-Centered Pressure

Introduction

The following paper evaluates a particular case in which an individual is experiencing physical symptoms of distress and anxiety as a result of family-centered pressure. The therapeutic method selected to address the patients needs includes the person centered approach. Due to the clients diverse background and conflicting perceptions of the self, the paper argues that the values upheld by the person centered approach are the most beneficial for the patients future personal growth.

Clinical Case Overview

The case study selected for this paper is focused on a female patient named Janelle who is thirty two years old and heterosexual. In order to better understand the symptoms experienced by the patient it is vital to acknowledge her background. Janelle comes from a culturally Egyptian background due to her family but likely experiences influences of Canadian culture due to her upbringing as her parents had emigrated to Toronto when she was only two years old. Throughout her youth, her parents had placed quite demanding expectations and rules on her such as constant high grades and limited interaction with boys her age. Janelle explains that this had caused her to feel different and even stirred emotional distress. As an adult, Janelle enjoys her social and professional life and can be categorized as economically and socially secure. However, she experiences pressure from her family in terms of marriage and starting a family.

Janelle frequently attends weekend family dinners, which she has expressed have begun to potentially cause her severe distress and even physical symptoms of unwellness. The dinners are attended by her entire family, including her siblings which are all married and have children. Janelle explains that the gatherings cause her to feel sad and isolated, as if she is the fifteenth wheel in her own terms. Over the past month, Janelle has also recounted a number of physical symptoms that really worry her. These include panic, shaking, sweating, and choking sensations that have resulted in two visits to the emergency room. Janelle describes a situation in which she began to feel numbness in her extremities, stomach discomfort, and warmth that was severe enough for her to feel the need to remove her clothes and cool herself with a washcloth. Janelle summarizes that she feels scared, uncertain, and not in control, as if she is going crazy.

Theoretical Orientation

All of the incidents that Janelle describes may be triggered by the dinner gatherings that she describes as upsetting and pressure-inducing. Because Janelle faces a unique issue that has cultural, social, and familial elements of influence, she may benefit from a person centered approach. A person centered approach places the individual as the priority of a service or treatment. Essentially, the focus is directed at the person and their potential actions to improve their state rather than their disability or condition. Additionally, the approach aims to achieve the persons goals, aspirations, and ambitions without ignoring their particular environment, situation, or needs.

The theoretical tenets of the approach can be summarized through five statements. First, the approach must support the patient and allow them to formulate decisions regarding their life. Second, the approach is aware of the persons age, experiences, heritage, language, culture, gender, beliefs, and other fundamental aspects of identity (Safran et al., 2019). Third, the services provided must be flexible and easily tailored to the individuals needs. Fourth, the approach focuses on strengths and an individuals abilities. Fifth, the approach works to include the support network of the person in the process of treatment.

The theory of person centered approach hosts a number of assumptions. Primarily, the approach proposes that individuals are inherently trustworthy and possess the potential to understand themselves and issues that may be occuring in their lives. It also makes the assumption that individuals have the capability to come to these realizations without direct intervention of a therapist or specialist (Hamovitch et al., 2018). The theme of freedom and choice is also prevalent within the approach, as they allow individuals to foster positive change. Some vital principles of the approach include self-governed growth and the ability to formulate therapeutic relationships.

The person centered approachs foundation is closely related to the humanistic perceptual theory which stipulates that a persons subjective and personal perceptions are valuable in constructive growth. The humanistic perceptual theory also incorporates the influence of formative childhood experiences and their impact on later responsibility in becoming a fulfilled person. The theory, and its most prevalent figure, Carl Rogers, did not see patients as ill or bad but ultimately good and healthy with the option to pursue their potential growth (Swan et al., 2020). The prioritization of the patient in therapy over the therapists approach or methodology was common in his practice.

The tenants, assumptions, principles, and the foundation of the person centered approach can beneit Janelle for a variety of reasons including childhood influences, her individuality, and family involvement. Janelle herself outlines that some elements of her childhood had caused her to feel isolated and upset, such as following strict prohibitions in her social life or pressure to do well academically or pursue parent-approved colleges. It is likely that this pressure and guidelines continue to affect her in the present and existing outside her parents expectations can make her feel at a loss. Janelle is also influenced by a unique cultural background, having her Egyptian roots as well as growing up in a Canadian environment. As the culture has both mutual and opposing values, this may have caused Janelle to feel conflicted and uncertain about her own choices. It is likely that the family gatherings trigger her issues with familial expectations and pressure, and as such, their involvement in her journey is essential. Fostering healthy communication within her inner circle and being secure in herself as an individual are two concepts that can become more effective in Janelles life through the person centered approach.

Interventions/Techniques

While the person centered approach offers a variety of effective techniques and interventions, two that would benefit Janelle the most are likely the acceptance of negative emotions and congruence. While the therapy technique focuses on the positive, strengths, and abilities of a client, it is also integral to acknowledge any and all negative feelings that a patient experiences (Håkansson et al., 2019). In the case of the person centered approach, the therapist should facilitate an environment in which the client can express their negative emotions without the fear of judgment. Similarly, the therapist should not take any comments personally, even if the client may be expressing negative emotions towards the therapist. Congruence is especially vital to the person centered approach as it aims to allow the client to acknowledge both their current self as well as their ideal self (Kolden et al., 2018). The therapy technique works not to turn the patient into their idealized version of themselves but to balance the two perceptions the client has. Essentially, the technique allows individuals to set realistic and favored goals and turn them into high-functioning versions of themselves without the need to be dissatisfied with their present self. This requires the therapist to be honest with the client and facilitate relationships built on trust.

Janelle is likely experiencing certain negative emotions due to the pressure and expectations that are being placed on her and that she feels she is not meeting. It is possible that she has no safe environment or way to express these feelings. Her physical symptoms may be related to these emotions of distress and could be exacerbated by them. As such, it would benefit Janelle to determine how exactly she feels about the pressure she is currently experiencing in an environment that is safe and constructive. Janelle is also likely worried about her perception by others and her view of herself. This is likely because she is worried that she is not meeting the expectations of her family, such as having a husband or children. However, Janelle can be successful according to her own values as she currently lives comfortably, has published numerous papers, maintains a satisfying social life, and participates in her interests. Within a series of sessions, Janelle may benefit from exercises that combine her idealized self, likely influenced by external pressures, and her current self to build confidence in her identity.

Multicultural Limitations

Janelles background reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of the person centered approach in terms of culture or ethnic background. The therapy approach may not be applicable to individuals whose cultures prioritize communal or collectivist values. Certain religions and ethnic practices place significant importance into social or unified rituals, systems, or practices that can even serve as the foundation of a culture (Swan & Ceballos, 2020). The compatibility of a therapists awareness of a patients culture and background is not guaranteed and they may be unable to perceive their impact on the wellness of the patient. Failing to do so may have negative effects on the growth of the patient. Therapists are also susceptible to biases and while their discipline prohibits the influence of assumptions, judgment may occur and be detrimental to the personal nature of the person centered approach. These biases have the potential to be built on cultural, ethnical, racial, or other perceptions.

Personal Alignment

My selection of the person centered approach is reflective of values I hold and experiences that have influenced me as a counselor and an individual. Personally, I prioritize concepts such as self-reliance, freedom, personal growth, and progressive worldviews. Essentially, the person centered approach aligns with my beliefs that people are in control of their own lives and certain aspects, such as illness and harmful experiences do not limit their ability to observe their own constructive growth. Having interacted and been impacted by a variety of cultures, I also find diversity to be integral to fostering environments that are safe, productive, and forward-thinking. The person centered approach upholds similar values and recognizes the importance of flexibility according to a clients needs and unique identity.

Conclusion

The client of the case study, Janelle, is having issues due to the inability to balance family expectations and her own perception of her identity. The proposed interventions in the paper outline the ways in which providing a safe environment for expressing negative emotions and congruence can benefit Janelles state. The approach also focuses ons strengths which can be integral to the personal growth of many individuals.

References

Håkansson, J., I. K., Holmström, Kumlin, T., Kaminsky, E., Skoglund, K., Höglander, J., Sundler, A. J., Condén, J., & Summer Meranius, M. (2019). Same same or different? A review of reviews of person-centered and patient-centered care. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(1), 3-11. Web.

Hamovitch, E.K., Choy-Brown, M. & Stanhope, V. (2018). Person-Centered Care and the Therapeutic Alliance. Community Mental Health Journal, 54, 951958. Web.

Kolden, G. G., Wang, C. C., Austin, S. B., Chang, Y., & Klein, M. H. (2018). Congruence/genuineness: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 424433. Web.

Safran, J. D., Kriss, A. & Foley, V. K. (2019). Psychoanalytic therapies. In D. Wedding & R. J. Corsini (Eds.), Current psychotherapies (11th ed.) pp. 21-58. Cengage.

Swan, A. M., & Ceballos, P. (2020). Person-centered conceptualization of multiculturalism and social justice in counseling. Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies, 19(2), 154-167. Web.

Swan, K., Cheng, C., & Bockmier-Sommers, D. K. (2020). Relationships between Carl Rogers Person-Centered Education and the Community of Inquiry Framework: A Preliminary Exploration. Online Learning, 24(3), 4-18. Web.

Change in Marriage: The Family Therapy

My friend John once had a difficult period in his marriage. He and his wife Kate became estranged towards each other, as the feelings of disappointment and fleeting romantic attraction overwhelmed them. They no longer could see each other as a partner in life, since irritation brought about hidden conflicts. The change in attitude towards themselves and their expectations from each other helped John and Kate save their marriage.

They both realized the importance of change, as the prospect of divorce was looming. The change itself transpired after a session with a family therapist and a series of meaningful conversations, in which they opened up about their feelings and anxieties. The change was not permanent because they achieved a temporary emotional compromise. As time passed and new irritating factors appeared, they had to reassess their marriage again.

In my opinion, the word change can be applied to any alterations in behavior. If a husband listens to his wifes criticism and acts on it, it is a sign of change. My outlook on the change process is too narrow compared to the systemic perspective, even though new actions that are repeated in the future signify consistency and a meaningful change. The systemic perspective presupposes analyzing the entirety of data, while I focus on small but important observations.

The difference between modernist and postmodernist theories lies in the source of knowledge. The former articulates that there is legitimate knowledge, which provides guidance to family therapy, while the later assumes the absence of absolute truth and the importance of clients perspective (Chenail et al., 2020; Johnson et al., 2019). The choice of theory influences the overall direction of therapy  in the modernist case, a couple will be guided toward a specific change, while in the postmodernist case, each couple will ascertain its own changes.

If I followed a modernist theory, such as Bowen Family Systems Theory, I would structure all behavioral changes around a family as an emotional unit (Erdem & Safi, 2018). If I followed a postmodernist theory, such as Narrative Theory, I would direct my clients to understand what changes they need themselves (Johnson et al., 2019). Treatment planning process is continuous reassessment of the current state of the clients marriage with the purpose of ascertaining specific changes that is needed in behavior. The subsequent implementation of change will depend on the choice of the overarching theory.

References

Erdem, G., & Safi, O. A. (2018). The cultural lens approach to Bowen family systems theory: Contributions of family change theory. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 10(2), 469-483.

Johnson, D. J., Holyoak, D., & Cravens Pickens, J. (2019). Using narrative therapy in the treatment of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the context of couple therapy. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 47(4), 216-231.

Chenail, R. J., Reiter, M. D., TorresGregory, M., & Ilic, D. (2020). Postmodern family therapy. In K. S. Wampler, R. B. Miller, & R. B. Seedall (Eds.), The handbook of systemic family therapy: The profession of systemic family therapy (pp. 417442). Wiley Blackwell.

The Job of a Marriage and Family Therapist

Introduction

The job of a marriage and family therapist presupposes consulting people who are in close and intimate relationships, partners who are thinking about parting, or couples who want to strengthen and deepen the feeling of intimacy. Such therapy allows partners to better understand each other and figure out exactly what is happening in their relationship at the moment (Northey & Gehart, 2020). I have sufficient experience working with specific problems arising in relationships and, in my work, elaborate a therapy plan that takes into account the therapy preferences of each of the partners.

Discussion

In therapy for couples, I use a variety of techniques and approaches depending on the specific problems of the couple who asked for advice. In some cases, I aim to explore the causes of the formation of negative perception patterns or behavior in relationships and help to restore effective communication between partners. In others, I use emotion-focused therapy that creates new, positive patterns of interaction and enhances the emotional involvement of partners.

The main purpose of counseling for couples is to help partners get to know each other better and teach them skills and abilities that allow them to solve various problems in a relationship. Under my guidance, the partners formulate therapy goals and develop a treatment plan  so that each participant in the process knows what to expect. In all family conflicts, I remain neutral and do not side with one of the partners. Any couple with a history of relationships or living together can get a lot of benefits from relationship counseling. Partners turn to me to solve the problems in the relationship as well as to gain a fuller understanding of the overall dynamics of the development of these relationships.

Conclusion

Most therapists and consultants working with couples agree that it is best to contact a specialist as soon as a feeling of dissatisfaction, annoyance, and dissatisfaction appears in the relationship. It is not advisable to postpone the visit to the therapist until the moment when this problem develops into a real crisis. This crisis can drag on for a long time, and many couples endure the persistent return of the same problems for years. Such a long delay only complicates the solution to the problem, and partners have to make more efforts to repair and restore relations.

Reference

Northey Jr, W. F., & Gehart, D. R. (2020). The condensed MFT core competencies: A streamlined approach for measuring student and supervisee learning using the MFT core competencies. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 46(1), 42-61.

Theology of Family Life, Marriage and Parenting

Marriage

Marriage is a civil society institution present in all countries and cultures, where the pair enters a secular agreement in the eyes of the law. However, religious marriage is possible when a ceremony is conducted (simultaneously or separately, depending on religion) with the couple being wed in the eyes of God. Many choose to be wed by a priest, making the union both civilly legal and religiously bound, and in both cases, the marriage is an institution that is welcomed as a natural continuation of family and commitment. Biblical marriage is defined by procreation and joint stewardship over the future that the man and woman in their assigned roles serve together before God. It is based on a heterosexual monogamous relationship, with the ultimate responsibility of the man and the woman being a suitable helper with full commitment to each other (Kostenberger, 2010). Meanwhile, the American cultural marriage is also a couples commitment to personal love, but it is a socio-economic unit as well. However, modern cultural beliefs alongside changes in societal codes have weakened the institutions, which is why it is particularly difficult to maintain it as a religious norm, with changes in laws, such as allowing no-fault divorce as well as same-sex marriage that degrade the institution (Anderson et al., 2014).

Singleness

Although rare, there is evidence of a Biblical call to singleness, with one of the categories of people not marrying, particularly in the Old Testament, those who faced some type of divine call. A divine call or a conscious choice of singleness and celibacy is even identified as the gift from God (NASB, 2020, 1 Cor. 7:7). It becomes more common in the New Testament, particular from those choosing to be closer to God, celibacy is praised by Jesus, Paul, and the Revelation (Kostenberger, 2010). Despite the common perception in Western culture that singleness after a certain age is abnormal or characteristic that something is wrong with the individual, the choice should be respected within religious communities, and in some denominations such as Catholicism, clergy, and servants of the Lord are not allowed to marry.

Sexuality/Gender

As both a matter of biology and even creationism, humans are sexual beings primarily for the purpose of recreation and reproduction. It is both a natural process and has been encouraged by God since the creation of Adam and Eve. However, in humans, unlike most other beings (at least as known), sexuality is also a factor that is an underlying drive to feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Sexual connection brings people intimately closer and generates pleasure, both physical and emotional. Therefore, sexuality has become a means of both pleasure and connection in romantic relationships and is a critical component of healthy relationships. Similar to marriage, religion places the emphasis that sexuality is a heterosexual affair and preferably should occur within the parameters of marriage. With modern science, contraception allows for to prevent of procreation. Certain religions accept it, while others fully deny it (Catholics), but it does not change the rules. The concepts of sexuality that are defined by Christianity and the Bible are set there for moral reasons, not purely from a procreation viewpoint. For religion, sexuality has been an issue that is part of theology and ethics, so there are certain lines that should not be crossed, such as many are against LGBTQ sexual relationships (Adamczyk & Hayes, 2012).

The prevalence of discussion regarding psychological gender over biological gender is a matter of choice, sometimes even for younger kids is concerning. This is known as transgender identity, and the biblical and Christian perspective on this is that it is a challenge to sexual well-being and goes against Gods natural design. The secular opinions reject biblical standards and are potentially immoral. However, from a sexual perspective, the transgender idea has the consequence of shifting the concept from procreation and the natural union between a man and a woman in a different dimension. It becomes no longer clear as to the biological gender and sexuality of the individual. While God calls upon us to love others, religion prioritize honoring God, which such practices do not (Sims, 2020).

Divorce

Divorce has become very commonplace in civil marriage, with rates exceedingly more than 50%. In the religious community, divorce is not acceptable unless there are very extreme reasons for such (i.e., abuse or heavily irreconcilable differences). The religious community can address divorce by protecting the institution of marriage and addressing its values. There can be potential to offer resources to couples and reinforcement of Christian values in the community. It is difficult to balance civic and religious concerns, but while civic divorce may be easy to file, couples can work with religious leaders on their marriage under God before finalizing it. Religious divorce and civic divorce have their own requirements, so the end of one does not represent the end of the other. However, with the introduction of no-fault divorce in US law, civic divorces are much easier to file than religious ones. Religious divorce is challenging, but balancing it involves close cooperation among all stakeholders and the couple itself.

Religious Home

For most people, religion is more than a set of beliefs or behaviors; it is a way of life that also influences behavior, structure, and relationships within the family. Religion typically encourages wholesome families, with both parents and children, if possible. Religious families tend to maintain patriarchal structures based on biblical examples, although that is not a necessary reality in the modern world. There are likely certain traditions within religious families, such as going to Church on Sunday or praying before dinner. However, religion also influences the interaction between family members, such as maintaining respect, valuing one another, and supporting. In religious households, good parenting with being warm and loving, while setting boundaries and standards for their children (Howarth et al., 2008, par. 4). There is an emphasis on two-way communication with children and promotion of healthy development for all members of the family. Congregations play a significant role in helping to support healthy families. This occurs through ministry in the church, educating about family values, both children and adults, and supporting healthy examples of religious families for younger generations.

Parenting

Having both parents is highly important in bringing together a balanced family. While in the modern day, both a man and a woman can technically fill both roles in terms of care, providing, and others, there are elements from psychological and biological perspectives that are difficult to replace. One example is a mother breastfeeding their child. Fathers and mothers typically bring different emotional and psychological dynamics to parenting that are difficult to replace without each other, but together they are supplementary to create a more wholesome environment. A single parent, although difficult, can meet both roles, and it does not necessarily mean that the child will grow up somehow unfulfilled. The church can play a role by aiding single-parent households by helping in the raising of the child, such as through Sunday school and other community events where the parent can be offered support while the child instilled with values from members of the community that they lack from a missing parent. The church needs single-parent families as they are part of Gods family, but these families need the church as well, and it has a responsibility to minister to the complex needs of such households (Mari, 2019).

References

Adamczyk, A., & Hayes, B. E. (2012). Religion and sexual behaviors. American Sociological Review, 77(5), 723746. Web.

Anderson, R.T. et al. (2014). The church and civil marriage. First Things. Web.

Howarth, J., Lees, J., Sidebotham, P., Higgins, J., & Imtiaz, A. (2008). Religion, beliefs and parenting practices. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Web.

Köstenberger, A. (2010). God, marriage, and family: Rebuilding the biblical foundation, second edition. Crossway.

Mari, R. M. (2019). Why the Church Needs Single Parents, and Single Parents Need the Church. Christianity Today. Web.

Sims, A. (2020). A biblical perspective on transgender identity: A primer for parents and strugglers. Focus on the Family. Web.

The Bible. (New American Standard Bible [NASB]). (2020). Lockman Foundation. Web.

Family Therapy: Psychoanalytic and Cognitive Behavioral Approaches

The psychoanalytic theory explains how humans behave in terms of the interaction of personality components that involve the id, ego, and superego. Cognitive behavior focuses on how people think, act, and emotionally feel. It is an approach conducted against the backdrop of systems, including the premise that members of a family are influenced by each other. Psycho energy can be converted into behavior depending on the environment that an individual is in. There is a systemic shift from psychodynamic to cognitive deeds that are triggered by unconscious inner conflicts.

The major assumption of Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) is that human beings can learn to identify things, evaluate and change their core beliefs. It is a form of talking therapy used to treat people with various mental health issues. CBT is based on how people behave when thinking, feeling, and acting interacts together. This approach assumes that mental illness originates from a faulty cognition about the world around us. The inoperative reasoning may be through a lack of planning or distortions (Verreault et al., 2020). These perceptions can cause alterations in the way things are seen.

Psychoanalytic thinking assumes that all people possess unconscious feelings, thoughts, memories, and desires. It is a therapy that aims to release repressed experiences and emotions. It argues that every behavior has an underlying cause (Zhang, 2020). The origin of human behavior comes from the insensible part of the brain. Different aspects of insentient of a personal struggle against each other (Reisenzein, 2020). Psychodynamic theory (PDT) states that childhood events influence adult lives hence shaping an individuals personality.

There is a difference between Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBFT applies in family systems, while in CBT, individuals, assessment and education are the important components that focus on treatment. CBFT believes that the behavior of one family member leads to certain conduct of other people in the household (Daley et al., 2018). People are shaped by schemas learned in the early stages of life and later transferred to an individuals emotional responses. CBT argues that problems are based on negative thoughts and patterns of actions that are unhelpful, including depression, and phobia, among others (Lebowitz et al., 2020). For example, in a nuclear family setup where a child feels oppressed by their parents behavior, the same people should be involved to help in the medication process for assured healing.

Psychoanalytic therapy is defined as a form of talk that explores how the unconscious mind influences an individuals feelings, thoughts, and behaviors (Brandell, 2019). Psychoanalytic family therapy involves concepts that help in understanding the inner nature and tasks of a person, the internal, interpersonal fears and longings that are intergenerationally transmitted scripts and myths of life in a household. For instance, childhood events that could be traumatic may have affected some effects in adulthood. Hence the counseling officer requires family members to assist in the gradual process of healing and recovering from related incidents.

In conclusion, psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioral therapies are approaches that are used to help people with mental health problems. The cognitive response is determined by the environment that one is in and has the power to control the psycho being of a person. As a child grows, their reasoning expands together with how they interact with other people and gradually begin responding as per societys expectation due to their superego, which develops with time. Psychoanalysis and CBFT have the advantage that they both do not use medications that can result in unpleasant side effects and addiction.

References

Brandell, J. R. (2019). 3. Psychoanalytic theory, Part 1. In S. Ringel, & J. R. Brandell (eds). Trauma (pp. 67-91). Columbia University Press.

Daley, L. P., Miller, R. B., Bean, R. A., & Oka, M. (2018). Family system play therapy: An integrative approach. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 46(5), 421-436.

Lebowitz, E. R., Marin, C., Martino, A., Shimshoni, Y., & Silverman, W. K. (2020). Parent-based treatment as efficacious as cognitive-behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety: A randomized noninferiority study of supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(3), 362-372.

Reisenzein, R. (2020). Cognitive theory of emotion. In Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of personality and individual differences. Springer, Cham.

Verreault, P., Turcotte, V., Ouellet, M. C., & Hudon, C. (2020). Efficacy of cognitivebehavioral interventions for caregivers of individuals with a neurocognitive disorder: A systematic review and metaanalysis: Dementia care research (research projects; nonpharmacological)/Family/Lay caregiving. Alzheimers & Dementia, 16, e037488.

Zhang, S. (2020). Psychoanalysis: The influence of Freuds theory in personality psychology. In B. Bozoglan, & M, Dixit (eds). International conference on mental health and humanities education (ICMHHE 2020) (pp. 229-232). Atlantis Press.