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August: Osage County
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August: Osage County
Theoretical Framework
Empty Chair
Letter Writing
The empty chair technique was used to help each family member address the person who has caused them pain and frustration. This method gave them the opportunity to express their buried feelings without experiencing a defensive individual.
Transgenerational: Looking at family history, triads, differentiation of self, and emotional cutoff
Goals: Decrease anxiety and increase differentiation.
Techniques: Empty chair, Journaling, and letter writing
In one session, each of the family members wrote letters to their deceased father/husband. They each wrote about their anger, their loss, and their grief regarding his suicide. In the end each family member concluded their letter with examples of how they would live out their time and work to become healthier individuals so that they could become better family members.
Violet
Presenting Problem
Differentiation
After many sessions it was discovered how abusive and the poor attachment Violet had with her mother. In Violet's empty chair session, she confronted her mother for demeaning and devaluing her as well as for abusing her. She told her mom that she deserved better and that she deserved to be loved. After confronting her mother/empty chair she was able to put a voice to all of her feelings and questions that she had held inside for years.
Throughout the sessions, it was communicated how important it was for each member to maintain a healthy sense of self and to focus on developing individual interests that were unique to themselves.
The Weston Family has come into therapy because they feel their mother, Violet has a drug problem and it is affecting the family. After the recent loss of the patriarch of the family, Beverly, due to suicide, this family is trying to find a way to have healthier relationships.
Weston Family Genogram
Journaling
Conclusion
The Weston family was able to begin their journey toward establishing new, healthy guidelines for their family. They were able to learn the importance that a healthy family is made up of healthy individuals.
Ivy, Karen, and Barbara each wrote in journals as a way of giving voice to their feelings towards their mother. They each shared excerpts of these journals in session and were able to voice their frustrations and unmet expectations that they experienced as the daughters of Violet.