Howard Protinsky

Family Systems Theory: A Unifying Framework for Codependence.

Abstract According to an increasing number of experts on addictions, untold millions of people in our society are codependent. Yet, the construct of codependence is variously defined, undermining its clinical and research utility. In addition, the relationship between the various symptoms (e.g., addictions), the dynamics of dysfunctional families, and codependence has not been fully developed. This paper offers a critical review and synthesis of the codependency literature, along with an intergenerational family systems framework for conceptualizing the relationship of the dysfunctional family to the construct of codependence. The paper presents a theoretical basis for systemic clinical work and research.

Increasing Marital Intimacy: Lessons from Marital Enrichment

Both marriage and family therapists and family life educators work to increase marital intimacy. In this study the effectiveness of two marriage enrichment programs was assessed with implications for practicing therapists. Participants were randomly assigned to an Adventure or ACME (Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment) treatment group or to a control group. Marital intimacy was assessed before and after treatment. Findings demonstrated that both enrichment groups had a statistically significant increase in marital enrichment. Suggestions for adopting adventure-based interventions for traditional therapy are discussed.

Uncommon sports psychology: Consultation using family therapy theory and techniques

Abstract Coaches and athletes utilize sports psychology as a part of training and preparation for competition. A linear, individualistic epistemology is generally subscribed to by sports psychologists. Marriage and family therapists, with their systems epistemology, can apply their training to working with athletic teams. This article revisits an innovative approach to working with athletic teams from a systems perspective. It presents additional interventions, a focus group interview with a team (postconsultation), and general principles developed in working with several athletic teams using a family systems consultation approach.

Levels of Differentiation and Marital Egalitarianism in Men who Batter

Abstract This study examined male-to-female partner violence using the concepts of Bowens theory of differentiation and Feminist theory. Participants in this study included 133 men from various mens groups. The findings support the hypothesis that lower levels of self-control, less marital egalitarianism and higher levels of partner fusion are associated with an increased use of violent conflict tactics. Further regression analyses were conducted in which anger management groups were compared to all other participants. A low level of marital egalitarianism emerged as a significant predictor of violence for the Anger Group, but not for the Comparison Group.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Innovative Clinical Applications

Neurologically-based therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are being clinically implemented and researched in the field of psychotherapy. While EMDR has a theoretical base and some research support for its effectiveness with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) therapists are now developing and using EMDR for other clinical problems. This report illustrates some of the unique applications of EMDR with clinical problems such as: driving phobia, interpersonal arguments, dyspareunia, depression, anxiety, and eating problems.

Feminist-Informed Internal Family Systems Therapy with Couples

Abstract The authors suggest an expanded approach to using Internal Family Systems Therapy (Schwartz, 1992, 1995) with couples by adding several feminist-informed therapeutic concepts. From a feminist-informed perspective, the authors present the importance of the therapeutic alliance, hierarchy within therapy, client choice, compassionate witnessing, and an expansion of the concepts of boundaries, enmesh-ment, and disengagement. A feminist-informed case example illustrates several of these therapeutic themes. In order to provide a contcxlualized reflection on the therapeutic system, the authors then go on to discuss common issues that have arisen while training therapists to provide feminist-informed IFS therapy.

Conservation Abilities of Elderly Men and Women: A Comparative Investigation

Summary This study was conducted to measure declines of Piagetian abilities among elderly Ss. Ability to conserve surface area, mass, and volume were measured in samples of 42 men and 54 women over 60 years of age. Results revealed that 80% of the female Ss conserved mass, 69% conserved surface area, and 90% were able to conserve volume. All male Ss (100%) were able to pass conservation of mass, 80% conserved surface area, and 93% were able to conserve volume. These findings were in contrast to the majority of previous research in this area.

Interviewing a Therapist in the Presence of a Couple: A Description of the Therapeutic Process

A therapy research team interviewed a therapist in the presence of a couple. Following each of six consecutive sessions with a couple, an interviewer posed questions to the therapist and couple. While one question was standard to each interview, other questions were generated by team members who tracked the entire process via live observation. These questions were directed first at the therapist, then at the couple, and then focused on therapeutic process and outcome. Findings of this process for the therapy system included decreasing the hierarchy within the client/therapist relationship; increasing the client ownership and energy in the therapy process; discovering the presence of parallel processes between the systems; and informing the direction of future therapy sessions. Practical, clinical implications are discussed for a variety of therapy settings.

Psychogenic encopresis: A family therapy approach

A review of the literature on encopresis reveals that many theorists propose various aspects of family dynamics as being significant etiological factors in encopresis. However, the predominant treatment modality discussed in the literature is the behavioral approach. In an effort to devise a treatment approach that takes into account the dynamics of the family of the encopretic child, the senior author has devised an approach based upon the strategic systems theory of Jay Haley (1976). Initial research efforts using this approach have shown encouraging results and suggest the importance of further practice and research from this framework.

Imago Dialogues: Treatment Enhancement with EMDR

Abstract The goal of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is to have a healing connection form within the couple relationship. Some tools for achieving such connection include the Couples-Dialogue and the Parent-Child Dialogue. Despite the effectiveness of these interventions, it seems that some past childhood hurts and traumas remain unprocessed within the brain of certain individuals, thus inhibiting intimacy. By implementing Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) in tandem with IRT, clients who are stuck within these communication enhancement exercises are often able to establish a healing connection, thus further repairing past childhood wounds. Case studies have been included to illustrate the effectiveness of such integration.