Person-Centered Techniques - Essay Example

LITERATURE REVIEW ON PERSON CENTERED TECHNIQUES Literature Review On Person Centered Techniques Introduction Domestic violence remains a part of the cultures and societies worldwide. It is normal that the society overlooks it, which, therefore, hinders it from getting the level of concern and attention it deserves. The paper evaluates the available literature on professionals regarding domestic violence interventions using person-centered change techniques through the application of motivational interview in relation to the victims of domestic violence and the children. Conventionally, the efforts to mediate in domestic violence concentrated on women and their children as victims. However, contemporary research has enabled the professionals to focus on the perpetrator (man) as well, in this case, the “batterer.” A perspective retraction in thought takes place in both the intervention and problem, which involves placing the violent man at the center. Mostly, for children’s needs and women safety, the violent man assumes responsibility for the violent actions, and change accountability. Similarly, the program should involve the man to engage in activities that would prevent such person from violating a future or current partner in a relationship. The paper is a literature review, which examines the works of other authors who have written about Motivational Interview in relation to domestic violence. Assistance in the Engagement Process with Involuntary Clients The engagement with exercise with non-voluntary and involuntary clients is usually a challenging experience for practitioners; it is contingent on the notion that such clients are unmotivated or ‘resistant’ (Trotter, 2006). The studies identify strategies as aids in the process of engagement with involuntary clients. Therefore, such participation aids with involuntary clients include motivational interviewing (MI), client-centered approach, and relational and group development strategies. Motivational Interview is an approach with a footing to developing change around subjects and situations whereby such conversation is plausible to exceedingly ‘hard’ and reluctance to converse about change, or pertinent issues are high. However, particular concerns and matters need addressing. It is especially applicable to close partner abuse and violence and suited for broad ‘restorative’ approaches. Therefore, it is a strength-based, non-judgmental, and respectful way to promote disclosure, acquire sustainable change, work fruitfully with resistance, and create actual engagement and working alliance. The approach is at the core of favorable intervention programs in domestic violence. Consequently, it offers a fortifying platform for active vocabulary, concepts, and skills to work with perpetrators of intimate partner violence. According to Blacklock (2001), the application of motivational interviewing techniques with involuntary clients helps in the unwillingness process to change and overcoming resistance (Boardman et al., 2006). Therefore, the technique assists in the facilitation of the ‘change stages’ whereby practitioners and involuntary clients collaborate to discuss reasons and make goals for actualizing a change (Kistenmacher & Weiss, 2008, p. 559). Similarly, the clients take charge of the treatment process through pointing out their ability to argue for their change and through acknowledgment of their strengths (Kistenmacher & Weiss, 2008). It is because the clients lively assume control over the participation and the treatment process, most likely they would engage in the process. As Braucht puts it, the process of change and group stages commence while clients are unaware of the need for such groups. Consequently, both process with the clients’ decision seeking support from group members (Braucht 2009). Chovaneck established a framework, which combined the motivation and group development stages with the steps of change (Chovaneck 2009). As Reevy (2010) asserts, both structures align with specific tasks and characteristics in each developmental section. Chovanec observed that the engagement happens in the preparation stages, pre-contemplation, and contemplation stages of change (Yatchmenoff 2005). The group development initial stages and pre-group planning associated with the preparation, pre-contemplation, and contemplation stages of change (Chovanec, 2009). However, according to Debbonaire & Walton (2004), most involuntary clients join the treatment process during the pre-contemplation stage. Accordingly, in the course of the pre-group preparation stage of the group development, there is a group forming orientation where they decide the negotiable and non-negotiable elements of the program (Chovanec 2009). Additionally, Chovanec goes on to explain that in the course of the pre-group and pre-contemplation planning, resistance is normal, and therapist should clarify their role and the role of groups. The ability to show support for application of inclusive group operations, non-threatening matters, continue explaining positions, give crucial information concerning group issues, options and non-negotiable attributes of the group. The contemplation stage is the next change step for clients. Under the stage, clients become aware of the issue and begin to accept the thoughts of change (Pope & Kang 2011). In other words, the clients realize the need for change at this stage. However, there is no instant plan for commitment or action for the clients to achieve a change. Therefore, contemplation happens in the course of the group process’ middle stage, which is typical of group’s norm creation and a clear focus (Duffy & Somody 2011). The preparation is the final phase of change. In the course of the preparation stage of change, clients make noticeable strides to change (Berg 2009). During the preparation stage of change, clients minimize problematic traits, and they start preparing to make a significant life change (Magill 2010). The scene happens as a group is at the heart of development. Other group members and the therapist offer support to everyone in preparing and planning fro change, usually role-playing the transformation in the group members (Chovanec, 2009). The application of the involuntary clients’ group therapy format assists in the minimization of the denial problem and maximize the problem acceptance chances (Bolton-Oetzel & Scherer 2003). The creation of involuntary groups is purposeful for serving clients with standard treatment needs to establish an effective accountability model for the entire group (Buck & Alexander 2006). For example, the males who engaged in violence will involve with men that participated to support and challenge each other (Chovanec, 2009). Client-Centered Approach. The client-centered and strengths-based perception is significant in collaborating with involuntary clients because they are oppressed and disenfranchised (Ritchie and Lewis 2003). The approach with a footing in strengths involves looking at the process of treatment through the client-centered method, where the client is the core of the entire treatment procedure. The technique concentrates on the healthy behaviors and choices and identification of customers’ unique strengths to assist in engagement treatment (Bolton-Oetzel & Scherer 2003). Similarly, Braucht (2009) observes that such strengths and behaviors serve as protective elements and help in promoting engagement, responsiveness, and cooperation. Relational Approaches. According to Chovanec, the relational technique with involuntary clients operates mainly with unwilling women because of their inclination to move towards the importance and meaningfulness of relationships (Braucht 2009). Since the beginning, women look for relationships with other people, and, therefore, social practitioners can best do their therapy in a relationship context between the client and a therapist (Ritchie and Lewis 2003). Typically, social practitioners operate in settings together with involuntary clients whom the law or relatives have coerced to seek such treatment. In spite of voluntary or involuntary clients’ status, which the social practitioners serve, engagement is essential to the treatment process. References Berg, B. L., 2009. 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Motivational interviewing with significant other participation: Assessing therapeutic alliance and patient satisfaction and engagement. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 39, 391-398. Pope, N. D. & Kang, B., 2011. Social work students’ attitudes about working with involuntary clients. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 31, 442-456. Reevy, G. M., 2010. Client Centered Therapy. In Encyclopedia of Emotion. (pp. 158- 160). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Press. Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J., 2003. Qualitative Research Practice. London: Sage Publications. Rooney, G. D. (2009). Oppression and Involuntary Status. In R. Rooney (Ed), Strategies for work with involuntary clients. New York: Columbia University Press. Trotter, C., 2006. Working with involuntary clients: A guide to practice. Crows Nest, Australia: Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd. Yatchmenoff, D. K., 2005. Measuring client engagement from the client ‘s perspective in nonvoluntary child protective services. Research on Social Work Practice, 15(2), 84-96. Read More