PY 526
University of West Alabama
Experiential family therapy was formed from the ideas of phenomenological therapy. Phenomenological therapy was centered on the ideas of “expanding experiences, unblocking suppressed impulses and feelings, developing greater sensitivity, gaining greater access to one’s self and learning to recognize and express self” (Goldenberg and Goldenberg, p.239). Experiential family therapy expounds on these ideas, but includes the implementation of more activities. Therapists of experiential therapy focus on the conflicts and behavioral patterns common to each family they encounter. They embrace themes of encounter, experience, confrontation, and others to stimulate individual growth and create positive family interaction. Each family member has a particular need and therapy is personalized to meet each need. The goal of therapy is to help each person become aware of and reach his or her potential. Thus, experiential family therapy encompasses personal interaction with each unique family and the therapist. …show more content…
However, each type shares several philosophical tenets. At the center of each type of experiential therapy are the tenets of choice, free will, and human capacity for self-determination and fulfillment. These tenets place the client’s, i.e. the family’s, goals above the therapist’s goal. Goldenberg and Goldenberg state, “human growth potential and the importance of the therapeutic alliance are stressed” over intellectualization and priority of emotional experience over rational thought. Another commonality amongst experiential therapies is the role of therapists. Therapists behave as real, authentic people. Of times, the therapist will expound on their experiences and incorporate activities into therapy. These activities ranged from role-playing and the use of
University of West Alabama
Experiential family therapy was formed from the ideas of phenomenological therapy. Phenomenological therapy was centered on the ideas of “expanding experiences, unblocking suppressed impulses and feelings, developing greater sensitivity, gaining greater access to one’s self and learning to recognize and express self” (Goldenberg and Goldenberg, p.239). Experiential family therapy expounds on these ideas, but includes the implementation of more activities. Therapists of experiential therapy focus on the conflicts and behavioral patterns common to each family they encounter. They embrace themes of encounter, experience, confrontation, and others to stimulate individual growth and create positive family interaction. Each family member has a particular need and therapy is personalized to meet each need. The goal of therapy is to help each person become aware of and reach his or her potential. Thus, experiential family therapy encompasses personal interaction with each unique family and the therapist. …show more content…
However, each type shares several philosophical tenets. At the center of each type of experiential therapy are the tenets of choice, free will, and human capacity for self-determination and fulfillment. These tenets place the client’s, i.e. the family’s, goals above the therapist’s goal. Goldenberg and Goldenberg state, “human growth potential and the importance of the therapeutic alliance are stressed” over intellectualization and priority of emotional experience over rational thought. Another commonality amongst experiential therapies is the role of therapists. Therapists behave as real, authentic people. Of times, the therapist will expound on their experiences and incorporate activities into therapy. These activities ranged from role-playing and the use of