Intro to Family Counseling
Final Exam
John A. Barbuto
Due Date: April 29, 2024 by noon, CST or sooner
No Late Exams Accepted
Directions: Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and adequately (5 points apiece for questions 1-6. 10 points for question 7). To receive full credit, please answer all components of each question. The answer to question 7 should be a short essay (2-3 pages). Some of the questions are similar to those that have been asked of you on homework assignments. I expect your answers here to be more comprehensive and fully developed. It is not allowed to collaborate or consult with anyone else on this assignment. It is not expected for you to use external sources, other than those provided for you in the course. In the event that you do use (external sources), please reference these appropriately. Failure to do so is considered plagiarism. It is not acceptable to use external websites and to cut and paste information. Please feel free to ask me any questions. I want for you to know the material, not trick you up or for you to feel confused. I would like for your answers to be very comprehensive. I am giving you this opportunity rather than a timed exam etc. In the event that questions are similar to past homework questions, I expect you not to use past answers and to really jump in and tease out the answers thoroughly. I have really enjoyed this semester.
1. How does a systems theory approach challenge previously held ideas about mental health and wellness?
2. Define what Bowen meant about a family being a naturally occurring system much like ant colonies, the ocean tides, or elephant herds. What was he trying to say about families?
3. If you were to go to an experiential therapist whose model would fit you best, Whitaker, Kempler, Satir, or Johnson (EFT) and why?
4. Define Minuchin’s idea of family health. What structure needs to be in place for the family to have the greatest chance at being healthy?
5. Identify and explain the importance of the communications outlook. Note the significant concepts and some of the important axioms that shape this model and influence the strategic models of therapy.
6. What have you learned most from this class (be specific)? How has this learning impacted you? How will you use this knowledge?
7. Please write an essay answering the following questions:
a. What do you think are the most important points consider when taking a family approach to counseling and why?
b. What is a model of family counseling that makes sense to you?
c. What are the main components and assumptions of this model?
d. What are pros and cons of this model?
e. How does this model relate to your own experiences living as a family member?
