Orientation to Therapy Video

This is a continuation of the James storyline from Task 1, which you previously viewed.

This session occurs approximately 6-8 weeks after the start of therapy. In the interim, James has participated in three Task 2 sessions alone with the therapist. The parents have participated in four Task 3 sessions alone with the therapist.

In Task 2, James identified relevant attachment themes. James was able to identify and articulate a) never having felt good enough for his dad, b) feeling like a disappointment because of dad making comments about his struggles, c) his father not making time for him, and d) his father’s stern and aloof demeanor. James indicated that he feels like his mother does not emotionally comfort him. Mother is also so intimidated by father and as a result she cannot protect James from the father’s emotional misattunement and judgement.

In the Task 3 sessions, the therapist first talked with the parents about the current stressors in their lives and the impact it had on their parenting. Henry (i.e., Dad) realized that between law school, first job at a law firm, and trying to move up in his career, that he had been absent for most of James life. Additionally, both parents were able to acknowledge the impact the recent move to Philadelphia had on everyone in the family. Next, the therapist explored each parent’s own intergenerational history and the impact that had on their parenting. Dad grew up feeling like a disappointment to his own father. He spent all of his life trying to prove himself to his own father, but never got the recognition he was hoping for. Dad became visually distraught when he realized he had made his son feel the same way.

Both of these conversations helped motivate the parents to want to be different with James. The therapist then prepared them for the joint session with James. Dad was concerned that he might get defensive during the conversations (particularly given his own feelings of never having measure

In this video segment, the therapist will be helping James talk with his father about what has gotten in the way of going to his father for support and the impact that has had on him. The therapist will help the father validate and acknowledge James’ expression of these vulnerable feelings. Mom’s role is to try to support the father.

The segment occurs at the start of the session. The therapist will begin by helping James share these thoughts first. The parent’s job is to be curious, validating and empathic.

Instructions:
First, you will watch the therapy video through in its entirety. Then, you will re-watch the therapy video, pausing at key moments to reflect on what is happening during the therapy session.

As you are watching:
1. Pay attention to how the therapist is a secure base for Dad and provides him with support while also redirecting him to focus on his son’s experience.
2. Take note of how the therapist uses information from Task 2 and Task 3 to inform the Task 4 conversation.
3. Notice how the therapist activates Mom to support Dad in the conversation with his son.