Values have been shown to be a pervasive part of both marriage and family therapy (MFT) clinical ... more Values have been shown to be a pervasive part of both marriage and family therapy (MFT) clinical practice and research. Yet, many therapists and researchers remain unclear about how values affect their work. This article examines the influence of Western philosophical assumptions and therapy traditions in light of current understandings of values in therapy. The influence of values in MFT research processes is similarly examined. Implications for how family therapy professionals can be more reflective and sophisticated in their understanding of values in clinical practice and scientific inquiry are discussed. Suggestions for addressing values in MFT training also are given.
Reports of falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, and other violations of research integrity acr... more Reports of falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, and other violations of research integrity across the sciences are on the increase. Joining with other disciplines to actively protect the integrity of the marriage and family therapy (MFT) research literature is of utmost importance to both the discipline and the future of the profession. To inform the issues raised, results are presented of an informal survey among MFT clinical members on their perceptions about the literature together with their preferences for how best to protect its integrity. This article initiates an important discussion about the honesty of MFT research.
ABSTRACT Infidelity is one of the most common and the most difficult problems to treat in couples... more ABSTRACT Infidelity is one of the most common and the most difficult problems to treat in couples therapy. In this article, the authors present an integrative approach to treating infidelity based on the intersystems approach developed by Weeks. The approach integrates theory and techniques from both individual and systemic psychotherapy and addresses the individual, relational, and intergenerational factors associated with infidelity. The treatment approach reflects the authors' view of infidelity as a systemic, intimacy-based problem. Treatment includes five interrelated phases: (a) crisis management and assessment, (b) systemic considerations, (c) facilitating forgiveness, (d) treating factors that contribute to infidelity, and (e) promoting intimacy through communication. Of particular importance is the development of unifying factors that facilitate healing, unite couples, and reduce their vulnerability to future betrayals.
Infidelity can have a devastating effect on marriages and individuals. This qualitative study exp... more Infidelity can have a devastating effect on marriages and individuals. This qualitative study explores the process of healing from infidelity and therapist behaviors that facilitate this process. In-depth client interviews suggest that healing occurs as couples pass through a seven-step process: (1) exploration of emotions and thoughts surrounding the infidelity, (2) expression of these to their partner, (3) development of empathy, (4) softening of emotions, (5) acceptance of personal responsibility and reduction of blame, (6) establishment of accountability, and (7) restoration of trust. While initially these factors occur sequentially, the process gradually becomes non-linear. Therapist behaviors which facilitate healing from infidelity are discussed.
Values have been shown to be a pervasive part of both marriage and family therapy (MFT) clinical ... more Values have been shown to be a pervasive part of both marriage and family therapy (MFT) clinical practice and research. Yet, many therapists and researchers remain unclear about how values affect their work. This article examines the influence of Western philosophical assumptions and therapy traditions in light of current understandings of values in therapy. The influence of values in MFT research processes is similarly examined. Implications for how family therapy professionals can be more reflective and sophisticated in their understanding of values in clinical practice and scientific inquiry are discussed. Suggestions for addressing values in MFT training also are given.
Reports of falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, and other violations of research integrity acr... more Reports of falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, and other violations of research integrity across the sciences are on the increase. Joining with other disciplines to actively protect the integrity of the marriage and family therapy (MFT) research literature is of utmost importance to both the discipline and the future of the profession. To inform the issues raised, results are presented of an informal survey among MFT clinical members on their perceptions about the literature together with their preferences for how best to protect its integrity. This article initiates an important discussion about the honesty of MFT research.
ABSTRACT Infidelity is one of the most common and the most difficult problems to treat in couples... more ABSTRACT Infidelity is one of the most common and the most difficult problems to treat in couples therapy. In this article, the authors present an integrative approach to treating infidelity based on the intersystems approach developed by Weeks. The approach integrates theory and techniques from both individual and systemic psychotherapy and addresses the individual, relational, and intergenerational factors associated with infidelity. The treatment approach reflects the authors' view of infidelity as a systemic, intimacy-based problem. Treatment includes five interrelated phases: (a) crisis management and assessment, (b) systemic considerations, (c) facilitating forgiveness, (d) treating factors that contribute to infidelity, and (e) promoting intimacy through communication. Of particular importance is the development of unifying factors that facilitate healing, unite couples, and reduce their vulnerability to future betrayals.
Infidelity can have a devastating effect on marriages and individuals. This qualitative study exp... more Infidelity can have a devastating effect on marriages and individuals. This qualitative study explores the process of healing from infidelity and therapist behaviors that facilitate this process. In-depth client interviews suggest that healing occurs as couples pass through a seven-step process: (1) exploration of emotions and thoughts surrounding the infidelity, (2) expression of these to their partner, (3) development of empathy, (4) softening of emotions, (5) acceptance of personal responsibility and reduction of blame, (6) establishment of accountability, and (7) restoration of trust. While initially these factors occur sequentially, the process gradually becomes non-linear. Therapist behaviors which facilitate healing from infidelity are discussed.
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Papers by Stephen Fife