Working with couples and families presents numerous theoretical, ethical, and practical challenges that are not present when working with individuals. It is important for the helping professional to recognize the differences between working with couples and families as opposed to working with individuals. By Day 4

Post three examples of how working with couples and families differs from working with individuals. Explain these differences. Then, explain any challenges you may face related to this distinction in your professional practice based on your current skills. Provide an example scenario that illustrates your post.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources.

Required Reading

Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., Snyder, D. K. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 1, “Theory and Practice of Couple Therapy: History, Contemporary Models, and a Framework for Comparative Analysis” Williams, M. (2012). Couples counseling: A step by step guide for therapists. Boston, MA: Viale Publishing.
Chapter 1, “Getting Started” (pp. 1–23)
Chapter 2, “1st Session: Intake” (pp. 25–40) Minuchin, S. (2017). Systems therapy. Psychotherapy Networker Magazine, 41(1), 37-38. Tambling, R. B., Anderson, S. R., & Wong, A. G. (2016). Expectations about couple therapy over time. Contemporary Family Therapy, 38(4), 353-360 Withers, M. C., & Nelson, T. S. (2015). A method for creating individualized practice-based evidence. Journal Of Family Psychotherapy, 26(3), 210-225. Chambless, D. L., Miklowitz, D. J., & Shoham, V. (2012). Beyond the patient: Couple and family therapy for individual problems. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 487–489. Fischer, D. J., & Fink, B. C. (2013). Clinical processes in behavioral couples therapy. Psychotherapy. Advance online publication. Whisman, M. A., & Baucom, D. H. (2012). Intimaterelationships and psychopathology. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 15(1), 4–13.