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Working with Families:  A Muslim Family Coping with Divorce

                                                                                                                Description of Family

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA:

An African American couple, whose faith is Islam seeks therapy services after announcing to the family that is filing for divorce. Azka Huda (30) is self-employed as a local seamstress and beautician who work from home, Tom (39) is employed by the Muslim community as a groundskeeper for their place of worship.  They have three children, son Ali (13), son Ayan (11), and daughter Kamilia (9).  They all live in Queens, New York in a three-bedroom apartment. Azka and Tom have been married for seven years, and they are filing for divorce.  Azka expressed that she no longer agrees with Muslim principals related to the Sharia Law and wants to leave the Muslim organization: this has been on-going for three years now.  Tom’s dedication to the Muslim religion questions Azka’s role as his wife.  Azka and Tom’s agreement to divorce increased stressors for their children.  After they announced their plans for divorce to their children, behavioral problems surfaced with the children in the home and school environment. Ali was suspended in school for fighting displaying defiance, Ayan’s grades have dropped and he doesn’t want to attend school anymore. Kamilia is often wakened during the night with nightmares stating that she was afraid to sleep alone since her father was no longer there.  As verbal aggression increased among the couple, Azka and Tom noted how their behaviors and decision to divorce harmed their children. Tom and Azka agree to enter family therapy to help their children cope with their decision to divorce.

CHIEF COMPLAINT:  “My husband is living in the past; Muslim wives are no longer slaves to their husbands. I will leave before I take another day of being treated like a slave; I am no longer happy in the Islamic Faith. I love my children

FAMILY MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC HISTORY:

Azka reports feelings of depression in the last two years but never sought professional help. Tom reports being in good health with no psychiatric history. The parents report that the children are in good health with minor issues of anemia that runs in the family.

PSYCHOSOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY:

Azka reports that while growing up, her parents maintained an uneven relationship.  The mother reportedly worked nights and slept during the day. Azka did not have much contact with her mother, but now she has a close relationship with her mother.  She mentions that her father never supported her growing up and often stating that a woman's place is in the home. Degrading women who worked to further their education.

During Azka’s school years, she reports she was an underachiever in elementary school.  She denies having had a history of behavior problems or hyperactivity. She states that she did well in high school and earned all A’s becoming the salutatorian.  Azka reports that she attempted to further her education until she met Tom who was already of the Muslim faith. She reports getting pregnant with her first child and dropping out of college. She reports wanting to go back to college after having the baby, but Tom did not support her.

Azka reports that the past 3 years have been a living nightmare for her and the children interacting within the Muslim community. She fears that her children will grow up misguided by old Muslim principles that she compares to slavery that will lower her daughter's self-esteem and purpose in life and ruin her son's views on how to be a compassionate male figure and possibly a loving husband one day. Azka’s slow transformation into the 21st-century Muslim wife has troubled Tom. He complained that she no longer listens and is becoming a part of the sinful world. The couple reports constant engaging in constant arguing has threatened the safety of the family living in the same home. They both agree that it is time to separate but are worried about their children.

CURRENT FAMILY ISSUES AND DYNAMICS:

Mrs. Huda is an independent thinker and reports that issues with her husband started when she turned twenty-years-old. She reports loving the fact that she was married had a stable life at that time. Azka reports that Tom changed suddenly becoming emotionally abusive and does not respect what she wants out of life. She reports that he suddenly looks down on her because she has decided to leave the Muslim organization and pursue an education. Azka no longer values the old traditional ways of the Muslim culture related to marriage and feels that nowadays things are done differently in America.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS A SOCIAL WORKER MAY ENCOUNTER WHEN WORKING WITH THE MUSLIM FAMILY

The social worker may encounter problems with the family disclosing personal information with a stranger. There are misconceptions related to trusting people outside of the family. Daneshpour (2016) identified disclosure of personal family information becomes complicated for Muslim families because they view the therapist as outsiders” (p.75).  The social worker must research the Muslim culture and beliefs, and take the time needed to build trust with the family and children. Mrs. Huda seems to be open to participating in therapy. However, Mr. Huda does not appear interested as evidenced in his refusal to answer specific questions about the family.

                                                                                         Scope of the Issues

            Defining the scope of failed marriage among private religious organizations with cultural laws that guide and arrange marriage duties of husband and wife culturally separates procedures from America’s major religious practices such as Christianity or the followers of Atheism.  As the old traditions fade out through generations of marriage customs. Divorce and furthering education lead by women has a more secular view of independence and relationships.

The scope of marriage and divorcing couples in America with children no longer weighs on staying together for the sake of children. According to Chapman & Cattaneo (2013), “even though marriage provides important benefits, marital satisfaction appears elusive for many couples” (p.1). The social implications of divorce affect parents and children. Chapman & Cattaneo (2013) stated that “children in divorced and single-parent homes, and even with a step-parent struggle with greater academic, psychological, social and behavioral problems than children with two biological parents” (p. 1). Presenting evidence related to the harming effects of divorce on children compared to similar effects of children who witness domestic violence among parents who chose to stay together for the children seems to cause more harm than the intended good. 

Statistics

            The challenge of gathering data from private religious organizations that create their laws makes it difficult to report accurate information. Chapman & Cattaneo (2013) reported: “In the limited amount of research available on marriage in the American Muslim Community, there is conflicting evidence about the frequency of divorce reported at the rate of  21.3% to 32.33%” (p. 2).  Compared to 32% of Caucasian American women’s first marriages end by the first decade, compared to 47% of African American women’s first marriages, and 20% of Asian American women’s first marriages. (Chapman & Cattaneo, 2013).

The Center for Disease and Control (2017-2018) report data for the U.S.

· 2017- Number of Marriages: 2, 236,496.             

· 2018 -Number of Marriages 2,132,853

· 2017 -Marriage rate: 6.9 per 1,000 total population       

· 2018-  marriage rate: 6.5 per 1,000 total population

· 2018-Divorce rate: 2.9 per 1,000 population (45 reporting States and D.C.)

· 2019 Divorce rate of 3.2 per 1,000 population

Data indicates a decline in the marriage rate and an increase in the divorce rate in the United States.

The Divorce Process/Background

In non-muslim American cultures, religion may play more of a support for each parent as they choose to divide the family through legal divorce processes. However, the American Muslim women according to Hassouneh-Phillips (2001) identified a four-stage process involved in leaving the husband: “reaching the point of saturation, getting khula (an Islamic divorce initiated by wives), facing family and/or community disapproval, and reclaiming the self” (p.415). However, it is important to understand where the problem originated. Mercadal (2019) reported that “In many Muslim countries, Muhammad’s teachings were codified into civil law. In the twenty-first century, the condition of women in many countries ruled by Islamic law, or Shari’a, is far from progressive compared to the status of men” (p.2). The example in the case study reveals issues presented by the husband related to his wife returning to school. Also, the women’s dress code plays a major role in being submissive to the husband. The one-sided partnership has caused many women in the newer generation to speak up and identify their faces in the world.

Divorce and decisions to stay single are more common among individuals in religious groups that still frown upon divorce here in the United States. However, the Huda family is an example of the need for additional research on marriage customs, religion, and the concept of divorce so that social workers can have a better understanding of the person in the environment and their views of marriage in today’s society. Chapman & Cattaneo (2013) stated that “investigation of American Muslim marriage is not only needed to clarify the divorce rate but to help develop marital counseling for distressed couples” (p.2). The following chart provides data on marital status by religious groups.  (Pew Research Center, n.d.)

 

Divorced women in Arab society located in Israel faced similar challenges. Hassouneh-Phillips (2001) stated that “divorced women in Moslem Arabs reported that others viewed them as permanently deficient and described themselves as social pariahs. Members of society referred to divorced women as broken glass, an Arabic saying, glass once broken can never again be made whole” (p. 418).  Marriage is a sacred practice among cultures that have been altered to operate in different belief systems around the world. The scope of the problem widens when children are divided between parents with two different views of religious practices and a society that is no longer characterized as patriarchy by modern women.

 

References

Chapman, A., R., & Cattaneo, L., B. (2013). American Muslim marital quality: A preliminary

            Investigation. George Mason University, 7(2), 1-19. Retrieved from

            http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/jmmh.10381607.0007.201

Danespour, M. (2016). Family therapy with Muslims. Routledge, New York, NY

Hassouneh-Phillips, D. (2001). American women’s experiences of leaving abusive relationships.

            Health Care for Women International, 22(4), p. 415-432.

Mercadal, T. M. (2019). Women in Islam. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Retrieved from

            https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login

Pew Research Center (n.d.). Religion and public life. Retrieved from

            https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/marital-status/

.                                                                                                                          Engagement & Assessments

INTERVENTIONS:

Family Intervention

One of the most obvious characteristics of Muslim society is the value attached to the family. The family unit is regarded as the cornerstone of a healthy and balanced in there society and family. Therefore, it’s important to understand the family dynamic and what role each family member play.

1. Systemic Family Therapy

· Structural perspective approach

2. Assessment tool

· Genogram

Individual Therapy

Culture may be defined as a system of rules, concepts, knowledge, and practices learned and adopted across generations. In the contemporary world, most individuals, as well as groups, are exposed to these systems in the form of ceremonial rituals, family structures, language, and spirituality. Culture influences how each individual behaves. As a result s culturally competent social worker should be able to handle any social issues that might affect an individual at any given time.

1. Culturally sensitive therapy

· Cross-cultural approach

2. Assessment tool

· Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI)

Phase One

Divorce Therapy (Post Divorce)

The main reason for the couple counseling therapy is the high level of distress among families. The world has been facing so many problems when it comes to a peaceful correlation among couples. Couples therapy can also be utilized by divorced couples which are known as divorced therapy. Divorced therapy aims to recover, restore, and reconfigure family relationships and the functions of the parent, child, and sibling in response to a separation (Isaacs, 2000). In phase one, the therapist will focus on the parent’s dynamics in regards to co-parenting,

1. Directed co-parenting intervention (DCI) is a method of working with parents in conflict to improve their caretaking of the children Garber (2004). It focuses on parenting practices such as establishing similar rules and expectations in the two homes and avoiding distressing interactions in front of the children during exchanges (Fridhandler & Lehmer, 2014). The therapist will provide psychoeducation on positive parenting and will support both Azka and Tom.

Fridhandler, B., & Lehmer, M. (2014). Ethical Issues in Coparent Counseling. Journal of Child Custody, 11(2), 139–158. doi: 10.1080/15379418.2014.921590

Isaacs, Et. Al. Therapy of the Difficult Divorce Book-Mart Press: 2000

HUDA FAMILY SYSTEM

The family system and interaction are hindered when parents sign a divorce. The physical separation between the parents will force the separation of the children too.  This brings negative changes to their relationships and even the relationship between the kids and their parents.  The three children are affected, both physically and mentally. The physical separation of their parents meant that they could not stay together as a family, these affect the bond between the children and even between the kids and their parents.  Their education and social life deteriorate, Ali becomes violent, Ayan fails the exams, and Kamilia is having disturbing nightmares. The couple is also affected by verbal aggression, which has led to emotional detachment.

Both individual and family treatment will be suitable to treat the impact that the divorce has had on this family. Each child has developed their own emotional and adverse physical reactions. Hence, they have to attend counseling at a personal level to enable them to accept and understand the reasons for the divorce and the impacts of the divorce. The family, especially the couples, ought to attend joint counseling to understand their collective responsibility in the future even as they sign the divorce papers. All the family members should be educated on how to hold family interaction. This will need combined family treatment (Isaacs,  Montalvo, & Abelsohn,1986). 

The evidence-based program recommended is the New Beginning Program for Divorcing and Separating Families. The curriculum develops techniques that help parents establish healthy and pleasant partnerships, use accessible contact with infants, implement constructive parenting and keep kids outside from the midst of parental dispute (Wolchik, Sandler, Jones, Gonzales, Doyle, Winslow, & Braver, 2009). The program has been tested three times in controlled lab tests, and the results show that the program mainly improves on parenting and reduces the mental illness that the kids may experience. It also helps reduce drug abuse among male children. It mainly administered to the parents because effective parenting is the most important tool to aid in building a positive attitude among the children towards the divorce. This program will help the parents give the right guidance to their children who have suffered due to frustrations and misunderstandings. The cause of the children's change in behavior is poor parenting; hence this program is suitable for the family intervention since it focuses on good parenting.

Reference

 Isaacs, M. B., Montalvo, B., & Abelsohn, D. (1986). Therapy of the difficult divorce: Managing crises, reorienting warring couples, working with the children, and expediting court processes. Jason Aronson Incorporated.

Wolchik, S. A., Sandler, I. N., Jones, S., Gonzales, N., Doyle, K., Winslow, E., ... & Braver, S. L. (2009). The new beginnings program for divorcing and separating families: Moving from efficacy to effectiveness. Family Court Review, 47(3), 416-435.

Evidenced-Based Family Interventions

            When parents decide to separate family's culture, and religion plays a significant role in the sacredness of a man taking a woman as his wife to unify in the role as parents accepted on the grounds of death as the only point of separation in a lifetime. However, family values and traditional practices have taken an unexpected turn in matrimony in modern-day divorce. American Muslim wives are changing the scene of equality and women's rights in the Islam community. However, children of divorced parents have the same experiences of being caught in the middle of separating parents regardless of culture and religion. Eaton (2018) stated that only a few of the many interventions have been able to help children overcome all the emotional, social, physical, and academic setbacks” (p. 39). The following articles will review studies on evidence-based interventions used to address family conflict in different capacities. 

Peer Reviews on Evidenced-Based Intervention

Mariah Eaton (2018). Adverse Effects of Divorce and Possible Intervention Program Development and improvement.

The article discussed the effects of divorce on children placing focus on school-based intervention programs such as the “Children of Divorced Intervention Program (CODIP)” (p. 40). The article identified the “school environment as the second-best place for children to receive nurturing, counseling, and support for their problems” (p. 40). There are several schools and community-based counseling programs that are successful in helping children cope with parental separation or divorce.

The article identified basic intervention techniques used to provide counseling and relationship building strategies with parents. According to Eaton (2018) “Intervention strategies that include improving social skills,  decreasing self-blame, overcoming feelings of being torn between parents, and overcoming problems that result from a change in caretaker roles require more research and intervention strategies” (p. 44). School and Community intervention programs play a significant role in assisting children of divorced parents. Still, more effective strategies are needed to address the needs of children separated by parental differences in religious practices and beliefs in a weakened parental support system. In a further review of interventions for divorced families similar to the Muslim family, the use of treatment groups for children of divorced parents takes the response to a different level. 

Chiara Fusar Poli, et al. (2017). Group Intervention for Children Having Separated Parents.

The article discussed a systematic review of the existent research on group interventions for children with separated or divorced parents (p. 560). The authors conducted a study on the effects of group intervention compared to basic intervention strategies offered in the school and community settings. According to Fusar Poli et al. (2017), the study focused on the method of systematic narrative review based on 29 studies evaluating the efficacy of group interventions for children with separated or divorced parents (p. 577).  The results of the survey revealed relational categories as the most significant and more effective outcomes.

According to the study, interpersonal and family relations had the most favorable outcomes among intervention strategies for children of divorced or separated parents. Fusar Poli et al. (2017) emphasized the type of intervention used for children made a difference in the outcome suggesting that overall group interventions may be particularly useful on a relational dimension (p. 577).  The result of the study reveals the significance of using interventions, both parents during the treatment process, as in the case presented by the Huda family. The parents have decided to separate due to religious principles.  However, as parents, the couple must work together to increase the wellbeing of the children entering a new dimension of the family system. Evidence of effectiveness of group intervention, such as a combination of the individual, group, and family therapy, would assist the children and increase parental awareness of the effects of divorce on their children.

Mara Hirschfeld & Andrea Wittenborn (2016) . Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Play Therapy for Young Children Whose Parents Are Divorced.

Hirschfeld & Wittenborn’s article focused on the effects of divorce on children and parental attachments. The report compared the impact of divorce on children and adolescents. It was identifying children “whose parents get divorced before the age of 6 years-old faces an increased threat to psychological and developmental problems” (Hirshfeld & Wittenborn, 2016, p. 134). Divorcing parents must realize that divorce also separates the child from the unity of parents that provided a sense of safety in a two-parent household.

The article identified children “forced to live in different households and communities as cohabitating between two lives, also called the divided world of the child”  (p. 133). The recommendation for treatment involved the "combination of child play and the theory-based attachment the approach of  Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to increase coping skills for children, assist the family in understanding other perspectives better and encouraging parents to pay attention to the emotional and developmental needs of their children” (Hirshfeld & Wittenborn, 2016, p. 134). The recommended intervention focuses on family relationships and the emotional attachments educating parents on the need to prepare their children through professional help when they decide to separate the family.

The parents of the Huda family acknowledges the effects of the disclosure to their children. However, the family conflict related to living in a divided home under different religious principles can confuse the children as they age and seek to gain an understanding of the choices they must make while in the homes of each parent.

A therapist must assist the parents with creating norms for the children when visiting parents in different living environments accompanied by changing rules of family religious beliefs and practices. Hirschfeld & Wittenborn (2016) identified that the goal of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy is to restructure attachment bonds by enhancing emotional connection among family members (p. 138). We will now focus on interventions that will assist the parents in addressing conflict in the world of divorced family’s.

Steven Demby (2016). Parenting Coordination: Applying Clinical Thinking to the Management and Resolution of Post-Divorce Conflict.

According to Demby (2016), approximately 10% to 15% of families remain in high conflict a year or two years after their divorce, often involving their children in aspects of the post-divorce conflict with each other (p. 458). The need to reduce the harmful effects of parental strife among the children remains a significant issue today. Children are often caught in the middle of the parental conflict as they struggle to understand unexpected changes in the family system and their new roles in divided households.

The article introduced the Parenting Coordination intervention as a “nonadversarial, child-focused dispute resolution process designed to assist high conflict parents after their divorce with settling disputes regarding practicing good time management with the children, monitor and facilitate compliance with parenting plans.  Moreover, related court orders and reduce children’s exposure to damaging parental conflict" (p. 459). Parenting coordination was developed independently in the early '90s but has grown as a practice in the United States and Canada. 

Parenting Coordinators (PC) are appointed by the courts and identified as a “post-divorce decree intervention where PCs combine parenting education, communication skills coaching, mediation, and arbitration of specified child-related disputes. A hybrid psychological -legal intervention” (p. 459). The goal of the PC is to transform the parents related to a co-parenting relationship.  The article identified “parenting coordination as pragmatic and not theory-driven” (p. 460).  The clinical aspect of the intervention surrounded by the PC’s ability to think clinically to increase effectiveness. However, this has caused many issues with nonclinical coordinators.

The article identified nonclinical efforts developed by the judicial system to assist children suffering from the effects of parental conflict of divorce.  A combination of legal intervention and clinical intervention could create a balance with high conflict divorce cases that often result in physical and emotional abuse. 

Professional clinical skills and knowledge of religious beliefs and practices related to matrimony and divorce are vital to selecting a combination intervention methods that will assist the parents with understanding the importance of co-parenting.  Rotter (2016) stated that  “Coparenting therapy often demands that the clinician engage clients with significant challenges such as difficult personality dynamics and psychiatric disorders. Coparenting clinicians must be prepared to manage these behaviors among parents to create an effective therapeutic alliance with both parents” (p.484).

Christie Eppler, Rebecca Cobb & Elizabeth Esmiol  Wilson (2019). Multicultural Perspectives on Family Therapy Models.

The article discussed the importance of enhancing clinical skills related to the client’s religious principles that control family relationships and interactions. Epper et al. (2019) stated that “clients prefer therapists with knowledge of their spiritual beliefs. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy direct clinicians to recognize religion as organized belief systems as important dynamics for treatment” (p. 1, 2).  The Hudak family’s relationships solely based on Islamic principles has created conflict between the parents.  The traditional dominating role of the Muslim husband can assist the therapist in understanding the outcome of the characteristics of an independent thinking Muslim wife in modern times.

According to Eppler et al. (2019), the review examined clinical faith practices from Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Hindu,  Islamic, broader socio-cultural perspectives, and how they intersect with family therapy models (p. 3). The study involved a survey of 37 faith practitioners of six faiths. The response revealed a fit with family systems theory, structural family therapy, Bowen’s multigenerational theory, and narrative family therapy (p.4). However, additional research on Islamic culture and religious practices would assist with selecting the intervention that would be the most beneficial to the American Muslim Family, which is different from Muslims from South East Asia.

Eppler et al. (2019) report the following findings: 

Family Systems theory’s concepts seem compatible across diverse faith traditions. Structural family therapy emphasizes restructuring boundaries, and hierarchy seems consistent faith traditions as cultural/religious norms. Bowen’s multigenerational theory’s concepts of de-triangulation and differentiation seem compatible across faith traditions, but particular religious beliefs may contradict its emphasis on the transmission of family patterns. Narrative therapy’s concepts of externalization, metaphors, and restoring seem compatible across faith traditions as long as intuitive processes are honored, faith stories are included, and the therapeutic stories do no promote false hope (p. 24).  The article emphasized the fact that not all religious members are willing to participate in intervention strategies due to traditional beliefs against therapy. However, research confirmed that family therapy models could be perceived as “therapeutically helpful” (p. 24). The Muslim family in the case study requires additional research on cultural practices religious beliefs related to marriage and divorce with the American Muslim Family.

The Literature review provided the scope of available interventions for the children and family of divorce. However, a significant part of delivering successful services for couples from different segments of religion that promote different cultures of beliefs and principles related to family structure in conjunction with the behavioral expectations of each member. In modern times the traditional definition of matrimony has taken on a more independent meaning as it relates to the well being of family members. Family conflict lacks the emotional control and supports found in spiritual guidelines of holy matrimony. Divorce is becoming a form of control misused by couples who rely upon their own understanding of separating from their view of the identified problem.  Family therapy is a powerful intervention that has the ability to promote positive change in the family system.  However, all interventions have advantages and disadvantages in relation to family conflict.

 

 References

Demby, S. L. (2016). Parenting coordination: Applying clinical thinking to the management

            and resolution of post-divorce conflict. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 72(5), 458-468.

            https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1002/jclp.22261

Eaton, M. (2018). Negative effects of divorce and possible intervention program development and improvement. Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal in Psychology 13, 1(4).

Eppler, C., Cobb, R.A., & Wilson, E. E. (2019). Multifaith perspective on family therapy models, Journal of Family Psychotherapy, doi: 10.1080/08975353.2019.1695092

Fusar Poli, C., Molgora, S., Marzotto, C., Facchin, F. & Cyr, F. (2017). Group interventions for children having separated parents: A systematic narrative review, Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 58(8), 559-53, doi: 10.1080/10502556.2017.1345243

Hirschfeld, M. R., & Wittenborn, A. K. (2016). Emotionally focused family therapy and play therapy for young children whose parents are divorced. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 57(2), 133-150. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/10502556.2015.1127878

Rotter, A. (2016). A model for developing a co-parenting relationship after protracted litigation: The case of Antonia, a 14-year-old caught in the crossfire. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 72(5), 484-497

Interventions Advantages and Disadvantages

            Family interventions developed over twenty years ago has the potential to be less effective as generations change in modern times without continued research and ongoing studies. Asadi et al. (2016) identified the family as the “smallest part of the community, a community that is made up of a healthy family, certainly is a healthy society, and healthy people are a condition of the family health” (p. 1). There are advantages and disadvantages to every family intervention.  However, the adaptability of prior evidenced-based interventions to more modern times in society questions effectiveness with current family systems.  Moreover, the religious beliefs and principles that play a significant role in identifying the concept of family and expected roles of a husband and wife. Family interventions today, such as structural, Narrative, and Bowens family systems therapy can effectively address family conflict with a skilled therapist (McAdams et al., 2016). Each peer-reviewed article discussed revealed advantages and disadvantages of clinical interventions in different capacities of serving adults and children involved in some form of family conflict.

Cultural Sensitivity and Therapy

            According to Psychology Today (n.d.), “There is a cost of neglecting culture in therapy. The therapist must understand that racial, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual identities interact with one’s beliefs and behaviors” (p.1).  Research reveals that knowledge of cultural diversity in social work is a critical component to providing effective therapy to all who request assistance regardless of social and cultural differences.  Culturally sensitive social workers take pride in their work and have a sensitive heart to the needs of all people.  The chart provides examples of the advantages and disadvantages of therapy interventions.  Please note that all interventions display the challenges of including or increase the practice of cultural sensitivity.

Advantages versus Disadvantages

 

                    Therapy                                          Advantages                                    Disadvantages

Structural Family Therapy       Asadi (2016).	Model of change alters dysfunctional patterns of interacting and family communications, addresses boundaries, Therapist intervention guidance, provides a framework	It May be difficult in working couples and family domestic violence, Issues of power, male-dominated, focus on family members interactions do not consider cultural or religious differences in the husband and wife role and behavioral expectations.
Narrative Family Therapy       AIPC (2010).	The client is the expert of their life, focus on individual strengths and positive aspects of the story, Alternative narratives, improve persons internal and external, a perspective of the world, empowerment of the client	No set formula, requires quick assessments by the therapist (therapist must be skilled in implementation), limitations with a diverse group when the therapist lacks knowledge of religious principles and beliefs, diverse cultures and non-articulate individuals may find it challenging to speak about personal life experiences.
Bowen Family Therapy       Brown (2018).	Works well with individuals, couples and families, more extended approach, the primary intervention-genogram, interlocking concepts, addresses the structure and behavior of the broad family system, reduction of anxiety, relief, holistic view of the problem	It is not always possible to integrate the family into the treatment process, ignores many positive aspects of family togetherness, not able to use with individuals from a collectivist culture
Cultural Sensitivity Therapy     Psychology Today (n.d.).	Emphasized the need for a therapist to gain an understanding of the client's background, ethnicity, and belief system, Can be applied to any therapy.	The therapist can be misunderstood as distant; clients can alienate from the therapist feeling uncomfortable; the therapist can say something or respond in a way that cultures find offensive.

 

References

Armstrong, A. M., & Munro, L. (2018). Insider/outsider: A Muslim woman’s adventure practicing ‘alongside’ narrative therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family

            Therapy, 39(2), 174-185. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1002/anzf.1292

AIPC (2010). Narrative therapy. Article Library. Retrieved from

            https://www.aipc.net.au/articles/narrative-therapy/

Asadi, Mozhdeh (2016). The effectiveness of structural family therapy training on improving

Subscales of family function in couples. Journal of Behavioral Sciences in Asia.

            Retrieved from researchgate.net/publication/320908676_The_effectiveness_of_

            Structural_family_therapy_training_on_improving_Subscales_of_family_function_

            In_couples/citation/download

Brown, J. (2018). Understanding the Bowen Theory. The Family Systems Institute

            Sydney.Retrieved from  http://www.thefsi.com.au

McAdams, C. R., III, Avadhanam, R., Foster, V. A., Harris P. N., Javaheri, A., Kim, S., Kooyman, B. A., Joe, J. R., Sheffield, R. L. & Williams, A. E. (2016). The viability of structural family therapy in the twenty-first century: An analysis of key indicators. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal. 2016; 38(3): 255-261. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1007/s10591-016-93839

Psychology Today (n.d.).  Culturally Sensitive Therapy. Retrieved from

            psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/culturally-sensitive-therapy

 Engagement

While we are working with this client, we will engage in therapeutic sessions to see if Huda, will fully open up with us. We are trying to make sure that Huda will have a positive outcome when it comes to getting a divorce and getting away from her current belief. The goals and tasks that we are working on, is making sure that Huda will not be in any danger once she leaves Tom. As we work with Huda we, the goal development will be based on what the client feels that we need to focus on the most as we collaborate with each other. As we continue to understand the client’s world view that includes Huda values, core beliefs, and ways of how she is willing to create change. 

The strengths, engagement connection:

1. Understand the client's family in a holistic and not simply as a problem family.

2. Huda family may reduce resistance when they see that the social workers are not a threat to their personal and family self-esteem.

3. The social worker will utilize the strength of family strength models an inclusive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and solution-building.

4. Start to notice our client's strengths will encourage hopes and confidence for Huda and her children. This will allow Huda to believe that working with us will benefit her family.

We will establish and be engaged with the use of a variety of skills that can help enhance Huda and her children that are dealing with this issue.

Empathy

Respect

Focused Listening

Clarification of Role and Purpose

Clear and Accurate Response to Client Questions

Honesty

Dependability

Identification and Support of Client Strengths

Seeking to Understand the Client’s Point of View

Culturally Sensitive Practice

Investment in Client Success

Regular Feedback

Interventions