Reframing and kindness of interpretation

Please place all reflections on session five on this page.


 





This session examines in detail the process of providing a kinder interpretation of the qualities, motives and intentions of the couple.


 

Pre-reading:The true genius of Virginia Satir

Virginia Satir:   "Therapy is creating a sense in the family that they have more good points than they had thought of."

Other references:

The Gentle Art of Reframing, chapter 8 in "Change, Principles of Problem Formation and Problem Resolution", Paul Watzlawick et.al. 

"To reframe, then, means to change the conceptual and/or emotional setting or viewpoint in relation to which a situation is experienced and to place it in another frame which fits the “facts” of the same concrete situation equally well or even better, and thereby changes its entire meaning. "(Watzlawick p.95)

The above chapter can be downloaded here. (Rotate clockwise to view normally.)


 

 Core competencies for session five:

1. An understanding of the neuroscience of conflict and the arousal of rage and fear
2. Ability to describe to the couple the cycle of difference (walls and trenches)
3. Ability to validate differences
4. Encourage acceptance of difference by the partner
5. Familiarity with the notion that apparently negative actions and beliefs can be viewed differently as useful and beneficial
6. Ability to reframe personal qualities
7. Ability to reframe underlying motivations
8. Ability to reframe relationship cycles