The problem of this study was to examine the variables that contributed to a
successful case of Experiential Systemic Couples Therapy as compared to a non-successful
case using a qualitative, exploratory case study. The main purposes were: (a) to generate
concepts that may have led to or hindered therapeutic change, (b) to investigate the process
of change in Experiential Systemic Couples Therapy, and (c) to contribute to the clinical
understanding of how change occurs in ExST.
The case data sources included documentation (objective measures, situation diaries
and reviews of therapy) and video tapes (15 taped sessions from each of the cases). The
two cases were chosen using Pinsof's (1988) techniques of Success-Failure Strategy from
a larger pool in The Alcohol Recovery Project. A qualitative case study methodology was
implemented to discover the major differences between the two cases. Along with these
descriptive methods, three sessions from each case were also analyzed using the Vanderbilt
Psychotherapeutic Process Scale. The researcher also used Pinsoff's small chunk strategy
and analyzed the "best and worst" session of each of the cases. Again a qualitative analysis
was done of the sessions, as well as using the Hill (1993) Category Systems.
Key findings from each of the cases were identified and compared. The findings
revealed nine major differences which occured between the two cases. The analysis of the
cases revealed nine major findings associated with outcome. First, three pre-existing
variables were discovered to be associated with the successful and unsuccesful case: client
variables, stage of change and length of therapy. Second, three findings were delineated as
to why change may have occurred: therapeutic alliance, addressing intimacy issues and
practicing opportunities in therapy. Finally, three findings were discovered as to how
greater change may have occurred: depth of experiencing, therapist techniques and the
completion of a 'story' during a therapy session.
These findings are integrated with current research. As well, implications for future
research and clinical practice are discussed. The limitations of this study and it's
methodology are also presented. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UBC/oai:circle.library.ubc.ca:2429/5891 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Prette, Liz |
| Source Sets | University of British Columbia |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis/Dissertation |
| Format | 11903701 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use. |
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