Imagine that two partners have a minor disagreement about household upkeep and a different disagreement about weekend plans. In both instances, the partners feel unheard and disregarded. On the surface, the disagreements seem to address different topics, but they might both reflect this couple’s repeated struggle to demonstrate respect for one another. In addition, if these partners frequently feel disrespected, they may bring this hurt into future interactions and be more prone to overreacting.
Human beings often develop distinct relational patterns with others, and dynamics frequently repeat unless a concerted effort is made to disrupt a pattern. Relational patterns and core themes may involve intense emotions, and it can be challenging for an individual partner or family member experiencing pain to see a relational pattern with clarity. Therapists can use their role as an unbiased observer to help clients connect experiences, notice core themes, and use this information to change unhealthy patterns. In this Discussion, you explore how a core theme could manifest in a couple’s relationship and recommend strategies to help the couple recognize the pattern and problem-solve to address it.
To prepare:
Review the Learning Resources on problem solving with couples and families.
Think about how clinical social workers can support couples and families to look beyond the surface of arguments and notice underlying themes.
Review and select one of the following core themes:
Trust versus mistrust
Appreciation, or reality versus expectations
Respect versus disrespect
Unity versus discord
Closeness versus distance
Finances, or short-term versus long-term security
Intimacy, or my needs versus your needs
Use the Walden Library and other reliable resources to research your selected core theme as it relates to couples counseling.
Imagine you are a clinical social worker working with a couple whose arguments revolve around the selected theme.
Describe two examples of how this core theme might manifest in a couple’s life.
Explain what you would say and do to encourage the couple to look beyond the surface of their arguments and drill down to distill the core issue.
Describe three strategies a social worker could use to support the couple to problem-solve and compromise.
