Collaborative care to heal gender relations across generations: A couple of trainees watch a couple of experts treat a couple of couples

Abstract

This chapter represents our observations, a case study of two generations of couples from the same family, struggling with the same themes of somatic complaints, mood disorders, family loyalty, and role negotiations as couples. We focus on the transgenerational transmission of somatizing issues and also of gender roles and expectations, roles and responsibilities. We will also highlight the unique structure of the therapies. Both couples were treated by the same cotherapists: Susan McDaniel, a psychologist with training in family therapy and collaborative care, and Kevin Fiscella, a family physician with training in family therapy. Their collaboration represented a balance in motion for these two couples with complex physical, emotional, and relational health issues. © 2008 Springer New York.