The strategic model of treatment was highly influenced by the work of Gregory Batson and his cybernetic concept. This computer/communication-based process spurred on the work of the MRI group, Milan group, Jay Haley and Virginia Satir. All three groups and individuals utilized the premise that people are always communicating, and communication is complicated and nuanced with multiple influencing points. These contributors designed a way for clinicians to identify hidden messages, meta-messages, and dysfunctional paradoxical patterns of behavior. After viewing the video clip of the movie To the Bone asynchronously collaborate with your group partners and discuss the theoretical underpinnings of strategic family therapy. Explore the dysfunctional dance presented by Ellen and her family. Highlight the hidden and meta-messages as well as the paradoxical behaviors displayed by the different members of the family to include the missing father. As you share information via video with one another, be sure to discuss a case conceptualization that would highlight the underlying issues presented by the family unit while using the language of strategic family therapy (you should each offer a case conceptualization as part of your initial or subsequent video recordings). In addition, discuss the identification of dysfunctional patterns, hidden and meta-messages, and no less than three interventions specific to the Strategic model of treatment you would use as a therapist working with Ellen and her family. It is important that you offer a rationale for why you have selected the three interventions and clearly articulate how you see Ellen and her family benefiting from your selected interventions.Show more
