What is the theory behind this Mother-daughter therapy worksheet?
The Freaky Friday technique, more commonly known as the Role Reversal technique in Family Therapy is based on the concept presented in the book by Mary Rodgers and movies of the same name.
When family members are in conflict with each other, all parties involved believe that the other person is unable to understand their feelings. This assumption brings a big barrier in their communication. Mother-daughter relationship is no exception to this type of miscommunication..
How will the worksheet help?
With different aims, values and most commonly generation gap, mothers and daughters find it difficult to understand each other’s struggles in life. The purpose of this worksheet is to provide mother and daughter insights into each other’s lives and create empathy. It will also enlighten each other about the concerns and reservations both of them have.
How to use this worksheet?
The clients (mother-daughter) are required to act like each other (gestures, words, body language) within the therapy session for 5 minutes. They can then answer the questions given below and share with each other.
Mother-daughter therapy worksheet
Reflections
How accurately has the other person depicted you?___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What are the things she said about you that were true? ________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What are the things she said about you that were not true? ____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What were the things you found out you didn’t know about the other?____________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What is the hardest thing they have in their life, in your opinion?_________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What is the hardest part of your life? _______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
References
Gass, M. A. (1997). Rebuilding therapy: Overcoming the past for a more effective future. Praeger.
Rogers, M. (1972). Freaky Friday. Puffin.
You can download this worksheet here.