Week 9 Part 1: Restory / Part 2 Future Research

Week 9: Overview

Future Directions in the Study of Stepfamilies

As we wind down and begin week 9 readings, we look to the future to ponder the implications of the data, the therapy, and future trends.  Chapter 10 reminds us of the utility of narrative therapy in working with stepfamilies to help them "restory" and rewrite key areas of how they view the family dynamic.  Moreover, this chapter reviews the continual need for research on the growing stepfamily population.

You will be asked to read chapter 10 this week and complete two discussion questions on the chapter readings.  Also, you will be asked to complete your second structured interview.

Objectives

By the end of this week, students will:

· Discuss narrative therapy and its use with blended families

· Critically analyze the potential needs of blended families in the future

· Week 9: Lecture

· Prevalence of Stepfamilies

· The textbook reminds us of two basic assumptions to keep in mind.  The are: 1) stepfamily numbers will continue to grow, and 2) narrative therapy offers utility in breaking down the negative social narratives.

· The basic question then becomes, "what does this mean for me as a counselor?"  As a counselor, you must recognize that with the increased formation of stepfamilies, there will also be an increase in stepfamilies that seek counseling services.  Therefore, your caseload will likely increase with their presence.

· Moreover, as a counselor, you will be asked to pull from additional counseling resources such as additional counseling theories, different modalities, and various interventions.  You must be willing to put away any residual or personal prejudices.  You must be able to handle the potential volatility of the stepfamily dynamic.  You must be willing to encourage the stepfamily's intrinsic reources.  In fact, you will need to review the key ideas and techniques of using narrative therapy with your clients.

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· Week 9: Lecture

· Cultural Diversity and Family Life

· Research continues to be sparse with regards to many cultural groups.  The text chose to highlight African American, Hispanic, gay and lesbian stepfamilies due to the sparse research.  While these diverse populations in fact, have similar challenges as the biological or traditional family,  the added cultural element offers experiences that need to be explored as well.  The way in which we understand and interpret our lives is vastly influenced by our culture.  Each of the underrepresented groups listed above have specific cultural lens from which they view the world and navigate within the world.  Each culture's view needs to be validated and supported.  The broader stories need to be reflected in the research and moved from the margins.

· As a counselor, this should be encouraging to you to pick up the baton and begin the work on helping these populations have a voice to get their needs met.

Week 9: Lecture

What Have We Yet to Learn?

With the increased likelihood of providing service to a stepfamily, a counselor needs to be prepared to participate in further study in key areas to meet this need.  Chapter 10 shares 4 areas for review:

1. Future Research

2. Psychoeducational Interventions

3. Delivery of Clinical Service

4. Clinical Training and Supervision

Week 9: Activities

Readings

Please read the following for this week as well as All Week 9 Online Course Materials:

Readings:

· Gold, J. M. (2015). Stepping In, Stepping Out: Creating Stepfamily Rhythm. Wiley.

· Chapter 10

Discussions