A Case Study
Crystal L. Featherstone
Grand Canyon University: PCN-530
February 21, 2018
Introduction
This is a case study of two people
experiencing the effects of becoming a romantic couple in a world they had to
fight to even be recognized in as a couple. The actions of our leaders and
people in general have caused negative issues to arise. When infidelity is
introduced the couple experiences stages of resentment, anger, jealousy, and a
host of other negative emotions. The issues are vast in ranging on if this
couple will survive. The characteristics of the romantic relationship are
similar to those of heterosexual couples if not the same. The outside
influences are different in only one way. The way our society views them and if
this is an aspect in their relationship. This is a fictional case.
Cognitive
Behavioral Couple Therapy: The Case Study
Winnie and Jessica have been
together since highs school, e.g. 20 years. They have adopted two children, and
recently since laws changed in California were married. According to
"California Same Sex Marriage and Domestic Partnership Laws" (2017),
the Supreme Court's decision in the DOMA case immediately provides full federal
benefits to same-sex couples in the 12 states that have legalized gay marriage,
and would apply in California with Proposition 8 overturned,” (Supreme Court
Ruling: Hollingsworth v. Perry). This has an impact on the couple because of
the past 20 years of hiding prior to this ruling. It seems that Winnie decided
that because she could be open about her sexuality she took it o another level
and seemed a relationship outside the couple’s relationship. Jessica found out
through social media. Jessica also says that although Winnie is a loving
mother, she rarely has any time to do things for the children. The partners are
abrupt and irritable with each other and rarely discuss what is happening
between them on a personal level.
Looking into their background we
see the issues that have slowly raised in this union. The children have no
issues with their home, yet Jessica feels Winnie does not go to the school enough
because of being embarrassed of their union. Winnie feels Jessica refuses to
forgive her. Communication is completely breaking down and the stress of the
betrayal seems to be an underlying factor. Both express how 20 years ago they
were so in love and excited that no one knew about them. Both express how they
are willing to work on this relationship for the sake of the children and do
not want them to live in a broken home. Both express their frustration with the
way the children are disciplined, e.g. they do not agree on parenting. Jessica
feels Winnie is too vacant and absent in discipline and Winnie feels Jessica is
to strict and controlling.
Summary
“Nearly 70% of same-sex couples
were meeting online (Rosenfeld & Thomas, 2012 as cited in Rathus, Nevid,
and Fichner-Rathus, 2018 p. 243). The characteristics of a romantic
relationship include the following:
·
Honesty-
what underlying issues are stopping the other from doing what the other expects
in terms with the children
·
Accountability
Winnie needs to accept what she did and show Jessica that she is sorry, and she
will work on the issues that are from the fall-out of infidelity
·
Being
able to communicate efficiently- No more blaming each other and accepting each
one’s roles in the relationship
·
The
need to negotiate and compromise- The disciplining of the children can be
worked out with compromise and negotiation
·
Both
pulling their weight financially unless otherwise discussed and agreed on
·
Respect
and shared power- It is helpful to note that others may see things differently,
so communication is key and experimenting with actions in the home with
children is a good thing. Agree to disagree yet remember parents need to be a
united front.
·
Intimacy-
Get back to loving each other. Let the pain go and work on what was initially
there when they first were open and honest with each other.
·
Support-
Remember the world is hard and when coming home we need a haven. Work toward
supporting our mates in this aspect.
These are the issues I would
address with this couple in a slow manner to get them back on track. Also
understanding the outside influences, they will encounter is an issue to communicate
and realize they will face different challenges than other different
sex-couples.
References
California Same Sex Marriage and Domestic
Partnership Laws. (2017). Retrieved from http://statelaws.findlaw.com/california-law/california-same-sex-marriage-and-domestic-partnership-laws.html
Halford, T. C., Owen, J., Duncan, B. L., Anker,
M. G., & Sparks, J. A. (2016). Pre-therapy relationship adjustment, gender
and the alliance in couple therapy. Journal Of Family Therapy, 38(1), 18-35.
doi:10.1111/1467-6427.12035
Rathus, S., Nevid, J.S., & Fichner-Rathus, L.
(2018). Human Sexuality in a Changing World (10th ed.). Retrieved from https://viewer.gcu.edu/Jh8Dz
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