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Dialectical Analysis of a Couple Counseling Session

Dialectical Analysis of a Couple Counseling Session. Thomas W. Blume, Ph.D. Department of Counseling Oakland University. ABSTRACT.

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Dialectical Analysis of a Couple Counseling Session

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  1. Dialectical Analysis of a Couple Counseling Session Thomas W. Blume, Ph.D. Department of Counseling Oakland University

  2. ABSTRACT • Couples in counseling attempt to coordinate their changing and interconnected identities. This poster explores the dialectical process of identity coordination by analyzing a single session to identify the identity themes underlying the manifest content.

  3. PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY • Previous projects have developed a theoretical model of Identity Renegotiation Counseling (IRC). • Studies using Dialectical Analysis have identified identity change conversations in non-clinical interviews. • This pilot study is a first step in using Dialectical Analysis to study identity change conversations in couple counseling.

  4. IDENTITY RENEGOTIATION • Identities are not: internal constructions, unitary and fixed. • Identities are: collaborative projects, multiple and fluid. • Identity change is constant; identities and relationships change together. • Counseling can help people negotiate and coordinate the changes in their lives.

  5. NEGOTIATING IDENTITIES

  6. DIALECTICS • Dialectical theory presumes that narratives and conversations are organized around themes. • Dialectical themes represent tensions (unresolved differences) that are connected to multiple discourses. • Dialectical counseling (e.g. Ivey, 1986) helps clients to shift from conflict to synthesis.

  7. IDENTITY DIALECTICS • Identity dialectics focuses on themes that have special meaning for a relationship. • Relational identity themes are global and abstract but are hidden in discussions of specific conflicts. • Working through specific conflicts leads to resolution of general themes.

  8. DISCOURSE COMMUNITIES • Discourses make meaning and define reality. • To the extent that something can be described in a discourse, it exists. • Every person is multiply influenced by different discourses. • When opposing discourses cannot be resolved, intrapersonal and interpersonal tensions result.

  9. DIALECTICAL ANALYSIS • Conversations and narratives are dismantled into units of meaning (words and phrases). • Units of meaning are reorganized to juxtapose conflicting views and highlight contrasts. • Contrasts are grouped to identify recurring themes.

  10. THE COUPLE • Max and Martha met as a gender-stereotyped couple: an aggressive, insensitive male paired with a compliant, relationally focused female. • After 15 years, a changing economy, and two children, Max has found that bravado has its problems and Martha seeks validation for her strength and vision.

  11. THE SESSION • Martha initiated counseling 3 months ago, threatening divorce. • Max first resisted change, then began to meet some of Martha’s demands. • In the 8th session, Max is contrasting the “old me” with the “new me” while Martha is seeing “same old Max.”

  12. DIALECTICAL THEME #1Individuality vs. Connectedness • You don’t want to be married, you’re a loner • I think you don’t need me. • I’ve wanted to share things with you but you’re only interested in yourself. • I have been trying to more things with you.

  13. DIALECTICAL THEME #2Uniqueness vs. Similarity • We just don’t want the same things • We are both stubborn. • I don’t see how we can share anything because we’re so different. • It seemed so easy at the beginning, it seemed like we both liked all the same things.

  14. DIALECTICAL THEME #3Stability vs. Change • People don’t change that much. I don’t care what you say, I know you. You’re a bully. • I’ve changed; I not the same woman you married. • I really heard what you said about the bully thing, and I realize it’s stuff I’ve heard from other women too.

  15. DIALECTICAL THEME #4Choice vs. Determinism • You can’t just go off and be someone different. • I was brought up to think women were, like, happy to have a strong guy. • I’m willing to do whatever it takes.

  16. DIALECTICAL COUPLE WORK • Ivey (1986) calls for helping clients resolve the dialectical tensions in their lives. • Couple relationships multiply the tensions—a single resolution may not work for both partners. • The counselor is challenged to hear and to emphasize the dialectical themes that lie underneath the overt content.

  17. REFERENCES • Conville, R. L. (1998). Telling stories: Dialectics of relational transition. In B. M. Montgomery & L. A. Baxter (Eds.), Dialectical approaches to studying personal relationships (pp. 17-40). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. • Fishbane, M. D. (1998). I, thou, and we: A dialogical approach to couples therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 24, 41-58. • Ivey, A. E. (1986) Developmental therapy. North Amherst, MA: Microtraining Associates.

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