200 words for each peer
In this Module, we learned about the universal core principles of psychotherapy. The textbook emphasizes the importance of a unified transdiagnostic approach. This approach is customized to those seeking therapy for emotional disorders. The transdiagnostic approach by Barlow is tailored within four to five modules. The first module is focused on increasing present emotional awareness. The second module aims to increase cognitive flexibility. Then the therapist aims to help the client identify and prevent certain patterns of emotional violence. The fourth module attempts to increase awareness and tolerance of emotion-related physical sensations. The final stage of this approach is interoceptive exposure and situation-based emotion exposure.
Dr. McMinn faced a facade of behaviors expressed by his client Huang. He was able to reveal the roots of certain thoughts and beliefs by utilizing the unified transdiagnostic approach in how he asked her questions. Due to the integrative and eclectic nature of this approach, Dr. McMinn customized the modules to best suit Huangs needs. He began to increase her awareness of her feelings towards her family members and what it has been like ever since becoming a Christian. He pointed out certain phrases that were said, such as why she was feeling like she was “not doing enough as a Christian”. Then followed up with the classic “Who told you [that you were naked]?” (English Standard Version, Genesis 3:11). By asking Huang to describe the setting in which these questions and thoughts have come about allowed her to get a better awareness of her present emotions. This allowed him to transition into increasing her cognitive ability by seeing how many people were trying to tell her what to do. Together they worked to identify and prevent certain patterns of emotional violence that she was starting to express towards her mother, but mostly her sister. This identification process began with Dr. McMinn asking Huang, “Is there anything good in what your mom/sister is trying to say to you?”. At first, she was defensive toward this question, attempting to justify her values being at risk, if she were to see any good in what the mother/sister might be saying. I was highly encouraged by his follow-up statement that clarified the fact that they might not sound like they are saying this, but what they might mean to say is “it is important to have a relationship with your sister”, etc. This transitioned Huang to increase awareness and tolerance toward being open to sitting through these uncomfortable emotional sensations. Unfortunately, we were cut off short on how the next session will look, but I am sure Dr. McMinn will be moved to expand upon the interoceptive exposure and situation-based emotion exposure that could be a healthy challenge for Huang as she pursues reconciliation with her relationship with her mom and sister.
The flexible approach that Dr. McMinn had with Huang stirred my interest in learning more about this unified transdiagnostic approach and core principles. As well as, learning more about how the Christian lifestyle can expose and hide certain beliefs and perspectives we carry toward those who think and act differently than us.
References:
Barlow, D. H. (2021).
Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders (6th ed.). Guilford Publications, Inc..
to an external site.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online.
Spiritual beliefs and moral values of Christian patients must be incorporated into the therapeutic process to customize psychotherapy to their unique needs. In the video, a young Asian woman client is shown by Dr. Mark McMinn how therapy from a Christian viewpoint may be crucial in helping her deal with the challenges she faces as a Christian resolving problems in her family that arise from her religious beliefs. According to McMinn, the following universal basic concepts of psychotherapy are applied from a Christian viewpoint cultural and religious sensitivity, integration of faith into therapy, relational approach, validation and empathy, and collaborative goal setting.
By acknowledging the importance of the young Christian client’s upbringing and faith in forming her identity, McMinn’s therapy method highlights cultural and religious sensitivity. By addressing these elements, McMinn builds a relationship with the client and creates a secure environment in which she may discuss her worries. By including the client’s Christian beliefs into the therapeutic process, McMinn can address the client’s issues from a religious perspective, particularly when it comes to the ways that different spiritual values have an impact on familial relationships. Through this integration, the client may examine her challenges from a religious perspective, which helps her comprehend her experiences more fully and gives her a sense of validation for her spiritual path. McMinn takes a relational stance, emphasizing the value of interpersonal relationships and the settlement of relational disputes in cognitive therapy. McMinn helps the client process her feelings and ideas in the context of her relationships by getting her to talk about her connection with her sister and work through family dynamics. McMinn shows awareness and acceptance of the client’s challenges by listening empathetically and respecting her desire for better familial connections while acknowledging the challenges presented by religious differences. In addition to making the client feel heard and recognized, this validation creates a supportive therapeutic atmosphere that encourages comfort and confidence in the therapeutic process. By working with the client to create goals together, McMinn gives the client even more authority by helping her pinpoint problem areas and make progress toward significant improvements. McMinn facilitates the client’s sense of agency and autonomy in her recovery process by pushing her to keep examining the complex topics in therapy. Through active participation in the therapy process, this collaborative approach empowers the client and promotes development and transformation.
Overall, McMinn serves as an excellent example of how incorporating Christian viewpoints into psychotherapy may respect Christian patients’ uniqueness and offer a comprehensive method of meeting their psychological needs while being true to their religious principles. While respecting the client’s Christian identity and beliefs, McMinn supports the client’s development and self-discovery by utilizing the universal basic principles of psychotherapy. By working with the client to create goals together, McMinn gives the client even more authority by helping her pinpoint problem areas and make progress toward significant improvements. McMinn facilitates the client’s sense of agency and autonomy in her recovery process by pushing her to keep examining the complex topics in therapy. Through active participation in the therapy process, this collaborative approach empowers the client and promotes development and transformation.
References
Barlow, D. H. (2021).
Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders, sixth edition: A step-by-step treatment manual. Guilford Publications.
McMinn, M. (2011).
Relational Cognitive Therapy from a Christian Perspective (Client 1). Psyctherapy.apa.org.
Norcross, J. (2015).
Integrative Psychotherapy for a College Student Coping with Family Conflict. Psyctherapy.apa.org.
