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Morrison T, Ferris Wayne M, Harrison T, Palmgren E, Knudson-Martin C. Learning to Embody a Social Justice Perspective in Couple and Family Therapy: A Grounded Theory Analysis of MFTs in Training. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2022; 44:408-421. [PMID: 35194316 PMCID: PMC8830980 DOI: 10.1007/s10591-022-09635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This action research study explores how four MFT students shifted from a cognitive understanding of equity and power to an intrinsic and automatic internalized process as we participated in research in which we observed, coded, and engaged in structured reflexive conversations about relational power using a data bank of Socio Emotional Relationship Therapy sessions. We reviewed and analyzed ten of our recorded two-hour reflexive conversations to develop grounded theory that explains our experience of learning to embody a relational power lens, which consists of five interconnected phases: (a) developing a theoretical understanding of relational power, (b) critically observing live therapy, (c) noticing and attending to the felt sense of witnessing power, (d) engaging in transformative conversation, and (e) applying to personal practice. Our findings provide guidance for clinical training programs who wish to facilitate the experience for clinicians-in-training to understand and address societal power processes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Morrison
- Lewis & Clark College, (Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy), Portland, OR USA
| | - Midori Ferris Wayne
- Lewis & Clark College, (Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy), Portland, OR USA
| | - Tahlia Harrison
- Duke University, (Bioethics, Tech Ethics & Policy), Durham, NC USA
| | - Emily Palmgren
- Lewis & Clark College, (Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy), Portland, OR USA
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Curtis MG, D’Aniello C, Twist MLC, Brents BG, Eddy B. ‘We are naked waitresses who deliver sex’: a phenomenological study of circumstantial sex workers’ lives. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2019.1689386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Curtis
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Carissa D’Aniello
- Department of Community, Family and Addiction Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Markie L. C. Twist
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI, USA
| | - Barbara G. Brents
- Department of Sociology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Brandon Eddy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Knudson-Martin C, McDowell T, Bermudez JM. From Knowing to Doing: Guidelines for Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2019; 45:47-60. [PMID: 29125887 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Family therapists know that clinical concerns are not separate from larger sociopolitical contexts. Attunement to clients' sociocultural experience is foundational to good practice, yet few guidelines integrate attention to the larger societal processes or address social equity. The purpose of this article is to help therapists move from knowing about sociocontextual issues to doing socioculturally attuned practice. We offer an overarching framework that returns to Bateson and the roots of family therapy through a call for third order transformation. The approach is responsive to societal context and an analysis of power while working through enduring concepts of major family therapy models. Transtheoretical guidelines that can be integrated across practice models to promote third order change are illustrated with case examples.
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Luttrell TB, Distelberg B, Wilson C, Knudson-Martin C, Moline M. Exploring the Relationship Balance Assessment. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2018; 40:10-27. [PMID: 29568159 PMCID: PMC5847161 DOI: 10.1007/s10591-017-9421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Assessments of power in couples’ relationships often only survey one partner, but they do not take into consideration both partners’ perceptions. Thus, many assumptions about power and equality in relationships have not been quantitatively tested due to a lack of dyadic measures of power. Therefore, the purpose of the Gender and Relationships Study was to develop and test a new scale of equality and relative power for couples, the Relationship Balance Assessment (RBA). The RBA may be useful for research and for clinical work with couples to help raise awareness of the balance of power in their relationship. A review of the literature has shown a shift away from focusing on monetary resources and decision-making dominance towards examining relationship processes and the connection between gender and power. This study prescreened a pool of process-oriented questions based on the qualitative literature. Then exploratory factor analysis of data from 268 individuals and 91 couples identified 12 consistent latent factors underlying relationship equality. These 12 subscales are summed up with the TREASURES acronym: Time Discretion, Relational Power, Emotional Power (Emotional Expression and Avoidance subscales), Accommodation, Spending and Saving subscales, Union or Sexual Dominance, Rational Power, Economic Role Power (Status and Childcare subscales), and Social Choices.
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ChenFeng J, Kim L, Wu Y, Knudson-Martin C. Addressing Culture, Gender, and Power with Asian American Couples: Application of Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy. FAMILY PROCESS 2017; 56:558-573. [PMID: 27662825 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Asian Americans juggle the intersections of multiple social identities and societal discourses as they respond to experiences of immigration, marginalization, and patriarchy, integrate collectivist and individualistic family values, and form families and intimate relationships. In this study we examine what we have learned as we apply Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) with heterosexual couples of Asian heritage. SERT begins with sociocultural attunement and the assumption that relationships should mutually support each partner. Drawing on case examples, we illustrate how we practice sociocultural attunement as couples respond to the relational processes that comprise the Circle of Care (mutual influence, vulnerability, attunement, and shared relational responsibility). We emphasize three key socioemotional themes that intersect with gender: (1) intangible loss; (2) quiet fortitude/not burdening others; and (3) duty to the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica ChenFeng
- Educational Psychology and Counseling, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
| | - Lana Kim
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, Counseling Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
| | - Yuwei Wu
- Counseling Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
| | - Carmen Knudson-Martin
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, Counseling Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
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Wells MA, Lobo E, Galick A, Knudson-Martin C, Huenergardt D, Schaepper H. Fostering Trust Through Relational Safety: Applying Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy's Focus on Gender and Power With Heterosexual Adult-Survivor Couples. JOURNAL OF COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY-INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15332691.2016.1238795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Elias-Juarez MA, Knudson-Martin C. Cultural Attunement in Therapy With Mexican-Heritage Couples: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Client and Therapist Experience. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2017; 43:100-114. [PMID: 27507679 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a need for culturally attuned approaches for couple therapy with Mexican/Mexican-Americans. This qualitative grounded theory study utilized interviews with 11 client couples of Mexican heritage and 14 marital and family therapists to shed light on how Latino and non-Latino therapists co-construct positive experiences of cultural attunement with Mexican and Mexican-American couple clients. Analysis identified a model of cultural connection through personal engagement with four interrelated phases: (a) mutual invitation, (b) shared engagement, (c) expanding personal connection, and (d) creating cultural connections. Clients in this study valued professionalism and expertise of the therapist, but felt attuned to and respected when therapists demonstrated humility, shared personal stories and emotion, and engaged in a collaborative process.
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Wells MA. Gender, Power, and Trust in Couple Therapy With Survivors of Childhood Abuse. JOURNAL OF COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY-INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15332691.2014.962210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Intergenerational Tension, Connectedness, and Separateness in the Lived Experience of First and Second Generation Chinese American Christians. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-015-9335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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SERT Therapists’ Experience of Practicing Sociocultural Attunement. SOCIO-EMOTIONAL RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-13398-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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