Source: Tony Jurich, 785-532-1488, jurich@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/jurichbio.html
News release prepared by: Jane Marshall, 785-532-1519, jpm2@k-state.edu
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
SIDEBAR: K-STATE FAMILY THERAPIST LOOKS AT CHANGING 'MALADAPTIVE RECURSIVE CYCLES' IN FAMILIES TO HELP PREVENT TEEN SUICIDES
MANHATTAN -- Family therapy cannot only change a suicidal adolescent's ideas and behaviors, but it also can alter the attitudes and behaviors of the rest of the family members -- especially parents, according to a Kansas State University family therapist who has written a new book about family therapy and suicide prevention.
Tony Jurich, professor of family studies and human services at K-State, is the author of "Family Therapy with Suicidal Adolescents," published by Routledge.
Jurich looks for "maladaptive recursive cycles" within the family's interaction patterns. Once identified, he tries to change these patterns so the family can change.
"I believe that it is my therapeutic duty to give the family a gift in each session. In the first session, I believe that I need to give them hope," he said.
Jurich sites an example of a 17-year-old girl who was fighting an alcohol addiction. With her, he used a metaphor with which she can relate: the jealous boyfriend.
"You know, when you describe how you like to drink, it sounds like you are describing a relationship with this really hot guy," Jurich tells her. "He makes you feel good about yourself and says you are beautiful. All your friends think it's cool you are dating him. You feel like a real adult. Your parents can't tell you not to go out with him because your dating life is your choice.
"He's a great boyfriend. Let's call him 'Jack Daniels.' The only problem with Jack is that he's real jealous. He wants you all to himself. He wants to fix it where he can monopolize your life. No time or energy for other guys. No time for your parents, schoolwork or friends. You see, if he isolates you from everyone else, you are all his. You won't be your own person. You will be a reflection of him."
Jurich calls this method a "slam" to disrupt maladaptive cycles.
"For the adolescent who is trying to formulate an independent ego identity, this is very powerful," he said.