Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

In Whitaker's symbolic-experiential therapy, what does the "battle for initiative" entail?

1. Families surrendering control to the therapist

2. Families reclaiming authority over their choices

3. The therapist dictating conversation topics

4. Families minimizing their personal input in therapy

The correct answer is: Families reclaiming authority over their choices

In Whitaker's symbolic-experiential therapy, the concept of the "battle for initiative" primarily involves families reclaiming authority over their choices. This approach emphasizes the importance of family members taking ownership of their roles and decisions within the therapeutic process. Whitaker believed that therapy should not just be about following directives from the therapist but rather about encouraging family members to express themselves, initiate their own conversations, and navigate their issues collaboratively. By fostering an environment where families reclaim initiative, the therapeutic process becomes more dynamic and relational. This strategy helps empower the family system as a whole, allowing members to recognize their strengths and agency in addressing conflicts or challenges. The term encapsulates the notion that the therapist's role is to facilitate rather than control, encouraging families to step forward and take active participation in their healing journey. This perspective is fundamental to Whitaker's approach, which values spontaneity and the authentic expression of feelings within the family context, creating a more engaged and participatory experience for all members involved.