Applying Critical Social Theories To Family Therapy Practice

This volume applies critical social theories to family therapy practice, using sociopolitical context for a clearer focus on the power dynamics of couple and family relationships. Its decolonizing approach to therapy is shown countering the pervasive cultural themes that grant privilege to specific groups over others, feeding unequal and oppressive relationships that bring families and couples to treatment. Therapy is shown here as a layered and nuanced process, with practitioners developing an ethical human rights perspective toward their work as they aid clients in negotiating for greater justice and equity in their relationships. The book bridges theory and practice by giving readers these essential tools: Strategies for asking clients about social class. A framework for understanding gender issues within the larger patriarchy. Guidelines for relating concepts of race and class in therapy. Structure for creating the family cartography. Ways to utilize a queer perspective in therapy. Illustrative case examples throughout. Breaking new ground in family therapy, Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice challenges social workers, social work researchers, therapists, and psychologists to push beyond current ideas of social awareness and cultural competence toward truly liberatory client-centered practice. .

This volume applies critical social theories to family therapy practice, using sociopolitical context for a clearer focus on the power dynamics of couple and family relationships. Its decolonizing approach to therapy is shown countering the pervasive cultural themes that grant privilege to specific groups over others, feeding unequal and oppressive relationships that bring families and couples to treatment. Therapy is shown here as a layered and nuanced process, with practitioners developing an ethical human rights perspective toward their work as they aid clients in negotiating for greater justice and equity in their relationships. The book bridges theory and practice by giving readers these essential tools: Strategies for asking clients about social class. A framework for understanding gender issues within the larger patriarchy. Guidelines for relating concepts of race and class in therapy. Structure for creating the family cartography. Ways to utilize a queer perspective in therapy. Illustrative case examples throughout. Breaking new ground in family therapy, Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice challenges social workers, social work researchers, therapists, and psychologists to push beyond current ideas of social awareness and cultural competence toward truly liberatory client-centered practice.

Featuring important theories and trends not covered in other foundational texts, this book is designed to equip the next generation of counselors with the tools they need for understanding the core dimensions of the helping relationship. Topical experts provide contemporary information and insight on the following theories: psychoanalytic, Jungian, Adlerian, existential, person-centered, Gestalt, cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, rational emotive behavior, reality therapy/choice theory, family, feminist, transpersonal, and—new to this edition—solution-focused and narrative therapies, as well as creative approaches to counseling. Each theory is discussed from the perspective of historical background, human nature, major constructs, applications, the change process, traditional and brief intervention strategies, cross-cultural considerations, and limitations. The use of a consistent case study across chapters reinforces the differences between theories. *Requests for digital versions from the ACA can be found on wiley.com. *To request print copies, please visit the ACA website here. *Reproduction requests for material from books published by ACA should be directed to [email protected]

No other available text offers such a hands-on approach to marriage and family therapy theory. At the core of Systemic Family Therapy are comprehensive sections devoted to each developmental phase of the family therapy movement. With clear descriptions and session-by-session case examples, the author explores specific approaches within each of these phases. With this pragmatic tenor, students will gain a clear and in-depth understanding of how family theory concepts relate to practice–as well as ways those concepts interact with each other. Key Features Uses specific examples and session-by-session case studies to illustrate how theoretical construct actually work in practice Outlines the shifts in thinking of the family therapy field–from modern to postmodern Uses rich graphic representations and straightforward tables to illustrate key theoretical concepts Incorporates compelling questions and learning exercises that will lead to dynamic class discussions Intended Audience A refreshing departure from traditional instruction of family therapy theory, this core textbook is an excellent resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students of family therapy, counseling, social work, and family studies.

Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy addresses the need for socially responsible couple, marriage, and family therapy that infuses diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout theory and clinical practice. The text begins with a discussion of societal systems, diversity, and socially just practice. The authors then integrate principles of societal context, power, and equity into the core concepts of ten major family therapy models, paying close attention to the "how to’s" of change processes through a highly diverse range of case examples. The text concludes with descriptions of integrative, equity-based family therapy guidelines that clinicians can apply to their practice.

Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy, 2nd edition, is a fully updated and essential textbook that addresses the need for marriage and family therapists to engage in socially responsible practice by infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout theory and clinical practice. Written accessibly by leaders in the field, this new edition explores why sociocultural attunement and equity matter, providing students and clinicians with integrative, equity-based family therapy guidelines and case illustrations that clinicians can apply to their practice. The authors integrate principles of societal context, power, and equity into the core concepts and practice of ten major family therapy models, such as structural family therapy, narrative family therapy, and Bowen family systems, with this new edition including a chapter on socio-emotional relationship therapy. Paying close attention to the "how to’s" of change processes, updates include the use of more diverse voices that describe the creative application of this framework, the use of reflexive questions that can be used in class, and further content on supervision. It shows how the authors have moved their thinking forward, such as in clinical thinking, change, and ethics infused in everyday practice from a third order perspective, and the limits and applicability of SCAFT as a transtheoretical, transnational approach. Fitting COAMFTE, CACREP, APA, and CSWE requirements for social justice and cultural diversity, this new edition is revised to include current cultural and societal changes, such as Black Lives Matter, other social movements, and environmental justice. It is an essential textbook for students of marriage, couple, and family therapy and important reading for family therapists, supervisors, counselors, and any practitioner wanting to apply a critical consciousness to their work.

This thorough review of social justice in family therapy guides practitioners to incorporate concepts of equity and fairness in their work. Expanding on the relationships between larger social contexts and individuals’ family functioning, it offers practical strategies for talking with families about power disparities, injustice, and respect, and for empowering clients inside and outside the therapy room. Case studies and discussions with therapists illustrate how family challenges are commonly exacerbated outside the home, and the potential for this understanding to help clients work toward positive change while improving therapists’ professional development. The book’s accessible, solution-focused approach shows small therapeutic steps changing families, communities, and clinical practice for the better. Included in the coverage: Family therapy + social justice + daily practices = transforming therapy. Researcher as practitioner: practitioner as researcher. Learning to speak social justice talk in family therapy. Supporting the development of novice therapists. Everyday solution-focused recursion: when family therapy faculty, supervisors, researchers, students, and clients play well together. Family therapy stories: stretching customary family therapy practices. At once down-to-earth and inspiring, Family Therapy as Socially Transformative Practice is a must read for those interested in family therapy and family-centered practices and policies.

One of the aspects of this textbook that I most appreciate is that Dr. Flynn embraces action as a scholar by integrating the most relevant and impactful theoretical practices, tackling developing trends such as telebehavioral health, and challenging us, as readers, to apply complex theoretical constructs from an intersectional, culturally responsive, and social justice paradigm. This is not a reimagining of the traditional counseling theories textbooks from 10 years ago but rather an act of evolution and engagement captured in the immediate assertion of social justice–oriented theories. Nicole R. Hill Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor, Counselor Education Shippensburg University Helps future counselors apply key theoretical constructs to real-world scenarios through session transcripts and detailed case conceptualizations For students enrolled in master’s and advanced doctoral programs, this groundbreaking textbook blends theoretical insight and practical application. Woven throughout is a focus on the multiple levels of diversity, intersectionality, and identity that individuals embody and the skills and interventions necessary to produce positive outcomes. The book is distinguished by the inclusion of Voices from the Field, digital video interviews with 12 expert practitioners of leading theories. These practitioners, representing different contextual backgrounds and intersectional identities, share their perspectives and experiences on how to best use a particular theory to help marginalized communities who have experienced discrimination. All theory-based chapters provide readers with case conceptualizations, session transcripts, and videos of Voices from the Field. Additionally, all chapters include learning objectives, chapter summaries, and student activities. Within each chapter, students will learn theory-aligned assessment instruments that resonate with clients’ needs and acquire proficiency in an eclectic array of techniques derived from both classic and contemporary counseling theories. The book innovatively applies techniques and skills to pressing issues, such as racism, discrimination, and inequity, through adept application of theory to empower healing and transformation. Instructors will also have access to a full suite of ancillaries, including an Instructor Manual, Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoints. Key Features: Mapped to the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) 2016 and 2024 standards Examines nuances of 36 counseling theories, new and emerging counseling theories, and describes 24 theoretically congruent assessment instruments Includes 12 digitally recorded Voices from the Field interviews that showcase first-person accounts from diverse clinicians working with marginalized communities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ clientele, and other underrepresented populations Contains detailed information about the profession’s unique theoretical history, leaders, legacies, waves of philosophical and political change, and practice-based skills Incorporates information needed to fully understand how counseling theories make meaning of mental health issues, human development, and client and counselor therapeutic roles Chapters include an examination of the findings of contemporary theory-based research Demonstrates the use of theoretical and atheoretical case conceptualization and skills using the same reoccurring case Provides session transcripts for each theoretical chapter demonstrating in-depth examples of theory-based skills