EXAMINING RELATIONSHIPS
Most people learn about relationships by observing those around us, including one’s own family and circle of friends. Later in the course, you will be interviewing an actual couple to explore relationship dynamics. In preparation for that assignment, complete the following questions:
Describe a couple relationship family or friends that you admire.
What about this couple is extraordinary to you?
How are they an inspiration to you?
Why does it appear that this relationship works so well?
In this discussion, describe your understanding of the self-of-the-therapist and how this perspective can be valuable as a practicing marriage and family therapist. As the readings mentioned, signature themes often emerge with regard to the person-of-the-therapist.
As you reflect on your life experiences and developing self-awareness, identify at least one signature theme that may emerge for you.
Discuss ways in which this signature theme may affect your clinical work and strategies to address it.