Summary of "Family Therapy Technique: The Family Card Game"
Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from Family Therapy Technique: The Family Card Game
The video introduces a creative family therapy technique called the Family Card Game, designed to engage all family members during therapy sessions in a playful and meaningful way. It is especially useful for both the initial and termination sessions of family therapy.
Overview of the Family Card Game Technique
- Uses a deck of playing cards and question cards to facilitate conversation and engagement.
- Encourages participation from all family members, including children.
- Adds fun elements (e.g., physical activity, rewards) to channel energy positively and increase motivation.
- Can be customized with questions tailored to the family’s needs and ages.
First Session Family Card Game (Initial Therapy Session)
- Family members take turns drawing playing cards.
- Even numbers: Player answers a question from the question deck.
- Odd numbers: Player chooses another family member to answer the question.
- Jack: Player does 10 jumping jacks (adds physical activity and fun).
- Queen or King: Player receives a cookie (adds incentive and playfulness).
- Everyone gets a cookie at the end (reinforces positive group experience).
Sample Questions for Initial Session
- “Our family is here today because ___.” (Assesses presenting problem)
- True or False: “When families see a therapist, they often feel nervous, embarrassed, and overwhelmed.” (Normalizes feelings)
- True or False: “Only crazy people go to therapy.” (Challenges stigma)
- “What would need to happen in the session today to make you feel it was worthwhile?” (Clarifies goals)
- “Switch seats with the person you think is most willing to change in your family.” (Encourages reflection on family dynamics)
- True or False: “Everyone in our family plays a part in making it better.” (Promotes shared responsibility)
Last Session Family Card Game (Termination Session)
- Used in the final therapy session to reflect on progress and closure.
- Encourages sharing feelings about therapy ending.
- Highlights family achievements and growth.
- Empowers family members by sharing advice and lessons learned.
Sample Questions for Termination Session
- “How do you feel about ending therapy?”
- “What is your family able to do better now?”
- “Switch seats with a person who you think was the hardest in therapy.”
- “My proudest moment in therapy was when I ___.” (Highlights achievements)
- “Tell about something you’ve learned about someone in your family during therapy.”
- “What advice would you give to another family experiencing similar problems?”
- “Ask your therapist to tell something your family has taught him or her.” (Therapist shares positive reflections to reinforce family strengths)
Benefits and Purpose of the Family Card Game
- Facilitates open discussion and sharing among family members.
- Therapist can highlight important issues and family strengths.
- Creates a playful, engaging atmosphere to reduce resistance or nervousness.
- Adaptable to various family situations and ages.
- Supports normalization of therapy-related feelings and reduces stigma.
- Encourages family members to recognize their roles in therapy and healing.
- Assists in empowering families by reflecting on their progress and lessons learned.
Presenter
- Lyanna Lonstein, Child and Family Therapist, Toronto, Canada
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
