A Multiple Case Study Examining the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Experiences of Couples Raising Children with ASD

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this qualitative case study is to understand the experiences of receiving solution-focused brief therapy for couples raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Five couples received six sessions of solution-focused brief couples therapy (SFBT) and were interviewed after the first, third, and last therapy sessions. Couples engaged in a semi-structured interview and were asked about their experiences in therapy. After using descriptive and in vivo coding to analyze the fifteen transcripts, the codes were placed into major themes. The six themes include: (a) therapy as a “blessing”; (b) positive experiences with the therapist; (c) helpful conversations; (d) reactions to the miracle question; (e) clarifying the couple and co-parent identity; and (f) the growth of the parent-child relationship. The current study is the first to identify parents’ experiences of treatment, while raising a child with ASD.