Wet cocker spaniel therapy: an essay on technique in family therapy

Wet Cocker Spaniel Therapy is a metaphor for the therapist's use of spontaneous techniques arising from the specific therapeutic situation rather than planned techniques from the therapist's training or allegiances. The paper proposes a problem-oriented, rather than technique-oriented, app...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inFamily process Vol. 23; no. 1; p. 1
Main Author Pittman, 3rd, F S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.1984
Subjects
Anger
Animals
Behavior
Crisis Intervention
Dogs
Emotions
Family
Family Therapy - methods
Female
Humans
Love
Male
Problem Solving
Social Dominance
Symbolism
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Summary:Wet Cocker Spaniel Therapy is a metaphor for the therapist's use of spontaneous techniques arising from the specific therapeutic situation rather than planned techniques from the therapist's training or allegiances. The paper proposes a problem-oriented, rather than technique-oriented, approach to family therapy. Most therapy can be performed in a calm, polite, rational, straightforward manner without any tricks or therapeutic razzle-dazzle. From time to time, the therapist may have to startle or jerk the family past a snag point and into change. Ideally, the therapist's techniques should arise from the content of the hour and the symbolism of the family and should be applied sparingly. I hope this paper will make therapists feel more comfortable being sane, polite, and practical, and unashamed when not being brilliant.
ISSN:0014-7370
1545-5300
DOI:10.1111/j.1545-5300.1984.00001.x