Respond to two colleagues who selected a different family intervention than you did. Describe one benefit and one limitation of the intervention your colleague has identified. Then, explain whether you would use it in the case of Tiffani and her mother.
Use the Learning Resources to support your posts. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.
1-julie-
Analysis of the Conflict:
In my analysis of the conflict between Tiffany and her mother, both individuals are deeply affected by unresolved trauma, poor communication, and emotional pain. Tiffany expresses her desire to return home and receive care from her mother, but she feels unsafe because her mother has allowed people into her life who have hurt her. On the other hand, Mrs. Bradley reacts with anger and defensiveness, directing blame at Tiffany rather than acknowledging her emotional distress. Tiffany’s self-harm is another critical issue that is not being effectively addressed, which adds to the overall tension. This situation represents a trauma-informed conflict, as both Tiffany and her mother carry emotional baggage that negatively impacts their communication and behavior. As described by Baird and Alaggia (2021), trauma-informed care stresses the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to heal. For Tiffany, this means addressing her feelings of betrayal and unsafety, while for Mrs. Bradley, it involves managing her defensive reactions and feelings of guilt.
Social Work Interventions:
- Establishing Safe and Respectful Communication (Trauma-Informed Care):
To manage the conflict, I would first establish a safe, non-judgmental environment for Tiffany and her mother. Baird and Alaggia (2021) emphasize that trauma-informed care involves creating a setting where individuals feel safe enough to express their emotions without fear of criticism or re-traumatization. In this case, I would intervene to ensure that Tiffany feels comfortable expressing her feelings of betrayal and fear without Mrs. Bradley’s harsh criticisms. I would also work to help Mrs. Bradley understand that Tiffany’s self-harm and feelings of unsafety stem from emotional wounds rather than from a desire to disrespect her.
As Baird and Alaggia (2021) point out, individuals in trauma-informed groups must be able to share their experiences in ways that feel empowering and not shaming. I would encourage Mrs. Bradley to listen actively and validate Tiffany’s feelings, even if she doesn’t fully understand them. This approach can help rebuild trust between them. Additionally, Mrs. Bradley may need help in managing her defensive reactions, which could be driven by guilt or fear of judgment.
- Exploring Underlying Needs and Trauma (Emotionally Focused Therapy):
I would also integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as Benítez et al. (2020) suggested, to help strengthen the emotional bond between Tiffany and her mother. Tiffany needs to feel that her mother understands her desire for care but also acknowledges the unsafe environment she has experienced in the past. Mrs. Bradley needs to hear this message in a way that allows her to understand that Tiffany’s behavior, such as dressing provocatively or engaging in self-harm, is a coping mechanism rather than an attack on her authority. EFT focuses on underlying emotional needs, such as Tiffany’s safety and Mrs. Bradley’s need for control or protection. I would create a space for Tiffany and her mother to explore these needs, moving from blame to empathy and understanding. Despite her fears, Tiffany’s desire to return home and Mrs. Bradley’s concern for her safety can be addressed through empathetic communication.
- Teaching Healthy Coping Strategies (Trauma-Informed Family Practices):
Since Tiffany struggles with self-harm, I would introduce healthier coping strategies, acknowledging that her behavior is a response to trauma. Champine et al. (2018) emphasize the importance of integrating evidence-based approaches to help individuals cope with trauma. I would introduce alternatives to self-harm, such as mindfulness, journaling, or other expressive outlets that allow Tiffany to process her emotions more healthily. Simultaneously, I would involve Mrs. Bradley in this process, teaching her to support Tiffany’s emotional needs without criticism. As Varghese et al. (2020) explain, family members must learn how to cope with emotional reactions and comfort their loved ones. I would guide Mrs. Bradley to understand better Tiffany’s emotional struggles and how to offer the safety and support Tiffany needs to break the cycle of self-harm.
- Addressing the Family Dynamics (Family Systems Theory):
From a family systems perspective, I would examine the broader relational dynamics between Tiffany and Mrs. Bradley. According to Toseland and Rivas (2017), understanding group dynamics and applying therapeutic techniques can improve family interaction patterns. There are maladaptive patterns of blaming and defensiveness between Tiffany and her mother that prevent healthy communication. I would work with both to break these patterns and promote positive, open exchanges. A family therapy session would include discussions around these destructive cycles, where I could help them see how their behaviors contribute to the conflict. Teaching active listening skills and encouraging non-defensive communication would be essential in this process. This approach aligns with Benítez et al. (2020), who stress the importance of improving communication and understanding within family relationships.
- Strengths-Based Approach (Trauma-Informed Framework):
Finally, I would emphasize a strengths-based approach throughout the process, focusing on the positive aspects of Tiffany and Mrs. Bradley’s relationship. Toseland and Rivas (2017) highlight the importance of identifying strengths in family members, which can help foster healing and growth. Tiffany’s love for her mother and her desire to heal is a mighty strength, as is Mrs. Bradley’s concern for her daughter’s safety. By focusing on these positive elements, I would guide them toward common goals of emotional healing and rebuilding their relationship.
References
Baird, S. L., & Alaggia, R. (2021). Trauma-informed groups: Recommendations for group work practice. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-019-00739-7Links to an external site.
Benítez, J. L., Abascal, A., Garrido, M., & Escudero, V. (2020). Building an expanded therapeutic alliance: A task analysis with families trapped in parental‐adolescent conflict. Family Process, 59(2), 409–427. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12435Links to an external site.
Champine, R. B., Matlin, S., Strambler, M. J., & Tebes, J. K. (2018). Trauma-informed family practices: Toward integrated and evidence-based approaches. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 27(9), 2732–2743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1118-0Links to an external site.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., & Loganathan, S. (2020). Family interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62, S192–S200. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_770_19Links to an external site.
2-mason-
Hello Class:
The conflict between Tiffani Bradley and her mother seems to be rooted in a long history of family dysfunction and trauma, wherein Tiffani’s mother blames her for the sexual exploitation she experienced and criticizes her appearance and behaviors (Walden University, LLC, 2022). From the video, it is apparent that Tiffani feels both a desire for her mother’s care and a deep sense of betrayal due to her mother’s failure to protect her. This unresolved tension manifests itself in verbal aggression and mutual hostility. According to Benítez et al. (2020), parental-adolescent conflict can escalate when parents and children lack a supportive environment to communicate needs, acknowledge trauma, and collaborate on solutions. Tiffani’s experiences of sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation suggest the need for a trauma-informed lens that recognizes the pervasive impacts of her victimization and the importance of safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment in the therapeutic setting (Champine et al., 2018).
As a social worker managing this type of conflict, it is essential to employ a family intervention that addresses both Tiffani’s trauma responses and the family’s maladaptive patterns of communication. A trauma-informed, psychoeducational family therapy model would be appropriate, as it involves educating the family about the effects of trauma on behavior and emotions while teaching more adaptive communication and problem-solving skills (Baird & Alaggia, 2021; Varghese et al., 2020). In sessions, I would establish clear boundaries and ground rules to ensure the conversation remains respectful (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Next, I would facilitate open dialogues that help Tiffani’s mother understand how her reactions contribute to Tiffani’s distress and feelings of being unsafe. Concurrently, I would validate the mother’s emotional challenges, helping her recognize that her anger may be rooted in denial, guilt, or unresolved pain (Ezhumalai et al., 2018). By taking a supportive, empathic stance, the social worker can foster a therapeutic alliance that encourages each family member to acknowledge past harms, accept accountability, and develop healthier relational patterns (Benítez et al., 2020). Ultimately, this structured and trauma-informed approach can create a safer environment for Tiffani to heal while promoting family engagement in her recovery.
References
Baird, S. L., & Alaggia, R. (2021). Trauma-informed groups: Recommendations for group work practice. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-019-00739-7Links to an external site.
Benítez, J. L., Abascal, A., Garrido, M., & Escudero, V. (2020). Building an expanded therapeutic alliance: A task analysis with families trapped in parental‐adolescent conflict. Family Process, 59(2), 409–427. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12435Links to an external site.
Champine, R. B., Matlin, S., Strambler, M. J., & Tebes, J. K. (2018). Trauma-informed family practices: Toward integrated and evidence-based approaches. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 27(9), 2732–2743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1118-0Links to an external site.
Ezhumalai, S., Muralidhar, D., Dhanasekarapandian, R., & Nikketha, B. S. (2018). Group interventions. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60, S514–S521. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_42_18Links to an external site.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., & Loganathan, S. (2020). Family interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62, S192–S200. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_770_19Links to an external site.
Walden University, LLC. (2022). Social work case studies [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com