The questions that have been applied during the discussion with a couple of strengths and resources align with three social science models. Namely, the postmodernist, social constructionism, and recovery frameworks are attributed to the inquiries that were presented during the therapy. In regard to postmodernism, the approach highlights the influence of social factors fracturing knowledge and denying the existence of objective truth (Kraus). The questions that align with the paradigm and have been asked include ones concerning the attraction to each other, resemblance to a movie that correlates with their relationship, and experience during the session. In both cases, the answers cannot be highlighted using a factual piece of information. As a result, the couple was able to share their personal truth and have a more emotional rather than logical response.
The social constructionism model, on the other hand, was considered on additional questions as well as in the application of collaborative language. Namely, the method correlates with a sense of collaboration between the couple and the therapist (Perera). Social constructionism is based on the idea that social constructs can replace truth and realism. The questions correlating with the model include one on people who support them and who would notice their improvement as a couple. In both cases, the couple is asked to consider their situation not from the perspective of personal experiences of truth but social opinions.
The recovery model is another theoretical framework in social science that was applied during the therapy and the discussion with the couple. The implications of the said paradigm are connected to the idea of empowerment despite existing barriers and limitations. For example, the solution is the focus of the discussion rather than the problem (Kraus). Questions aligning with the framework are those operating based on positive aspects of the relationship and recovery. Namely, discussions on the couple’s strengths as a unity as well as individuals and obstacles they overcame are topics that focus on beneficial aspects.
The experience was insightful and useful for personal growth. All three models (postmodernism, social constructionism, and recovery) were considered when asking the questions. The conversation went relatively smoothly, yet the circular questions generated more in-depth reflection. For example, discussions on their strengths as individuals and a couple, as well as their resemblance with a movie, are circle questions. They are based on a difference that puts circumstances into a different perspective (Brown, 1997). The experience with circular questions was marked by the lengthier time before the question and the answer, meaning that the clients were deeply thinking about the inquiries. They certainly helped obtain additional information that would otherwise be omitted.
It is certain that in the future, several years from now, similar techniques will be applied during communication with clients. Namely, the current experiences have illustrated that different frameworks can be combined for a comprehensive approach to the customer’s needs. Moreover, circular questions inspire more in-depth reflections on the current state as they put things into perspective. I imagine the opportunities to work with different clients who want to work on learning more about themselves as both useful and, at the same time, empowering. On the one hand, applying evidence-based models to different barriers and challenges allows individuals to have a better, healthier overview of their experiences and decision-making. On the other hand, it is a personal achievement that generates feelings of pride and happiness due to the extensive work correlating with the acquiring of the position as well as the potential to make a difference.
References
Brown, J. (1997). Circular questioning: An introductory guide. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 18(2), 109–114. Web.
Kraus, V. (n.d.). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Perera, S. (n.d.). Collaborative Language Systems Therapy.