Discussion: Examining Cognitive Behavioral and Narrative Theories 

This week will be your final week examining systemic family theories. You will explore cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy. Cognitive behavioral theories are very popular in individual counseling and explore the role a person’s thoughts play in maintaining their adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.

When using CBT with families and couples, it is important to pay attention to the communication and rules within the family. You will observe the family members’ behaviors and attitudes toward one another and the impact of one’s thoughts, behaviors and emotions to those behaviors.

Narrative therapy is a postmodern approach where the counselor joins with the family to co-create the story the family lives and believes. This form of therapy helps the family change their point of view about themselves and their situations. It also allows family counselors to address and integrate issue of social justice if that is relevant for the family.

Resources

 Oliver, M., Mincey, K. A.& Castillo, Y. (2021).  Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral theories: Approaches and applications. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Eds.). Foundations of couples, marriage, and family counseling (2nd ed., pp. 209–224). 

Wiley & Sons.  Logan, C. R., Jackson, A. H., Wirick, D. M. & Teufel-Prida, L. A.  (2021). Counseling couples using life cycle and narrative therapy lenses. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Eds.). Foundations of couples, marriage, and family counseling (2nd ed., pp. 273-287). Wiley & Sons. 

Consider the theories you explored this week. Does either really stand out or resonate with you? Does one seem to make more sense to your personal style of counseling? For this Discussion, you will review cognitive behavioral and narrative theories presented this week and you will consider the questions posed above.

As you respond to the above questions, however, recognizing the distinct differences in each theoretical approach will be critical to your professional practice.

These are the three questions that must be answered and the assignment should be no longer than one page

What are your thoughts concerning the theories presented this week? What aspects of the theories resonate or make more sense to your personal style of counseling? What aspects or concepts within these theories do you think would be a challenge for you, and why?

Apply titles to each of the theories covered.