Season 1 Episode 3: A Unifying Framework for Family Therapy (Dr. Diane Gehart, PhD, LMFT)

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry interviews Dr. Diane Gehart, a pioneer in the field of psychotherapy, about her transformative framework, Therapy that Works® - The Unifying Framework for Family Therapy. Dr. Gehart’s approach provides an integrative and evidence-informed model that is comprehensive enough to work with all clients.

During the conversation, Dr. Gehart explains how The Unifying Framework for Family Therapy goes beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all therapy methods. This framework allows therapists to customize their approaches based on each client’s unique needs, life circumstances, and cultural context. She discusses the six elements of the Therapy that Works Unifying Framework for Family Therapy, offering insights on how to apply these elements in practice. Additionally, she highlights the four levels for conceptualizing interactional cycles related to both the “problem” and “solution” in family therapy, enabling therapists to view challenges and resolutions from multiple perspectives.

Dr. Gehart also shares practical strategies for therapists to connect with clients in ways that minimize bias and foster greater understanding. She emphasizes the significance of entering the client’s worldview and meaning-making system.

Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart conclude the episode by discussing the five Pillars of Wellness, which support both clinicians and clients in adopting healthy strategies that can positively enhance the therapeutic process.

GUEST: Dr. Diane Gehart, PhD, LMFT

Dr. Diane Gehart is a Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs at California State University, Northridge, and the Director of the Institute for Therapy that Works. She has authored numerous titles including Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, Theory and Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy, Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day, and Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy, and has co-edited with Harlene Anderson Collaborative Therapy: Relationships and Conversations that Make a Difference and Collaborative-Dialogic Practice: Relationships and Conversations Across Contexts and Cultures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• ⁠Therapy That Works Institute: https://www.therapythatworksinstitute.com/therapythatworks

JOIN NYMFTN: Visit ⁠⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.