Relational Cultural Therapy : Theory, Evidence, And Analysis

Ballou (1996) in Ivey (2002) comments on other concepts of feminist therapy. An understanding of pluralism is one. That is, the value of difference. Although focused

In the Structural Family Therapy model, therapy is not focused solely on the individual, but upon the person within the family system (Colapinto, 1982; Minuchin, 1974). The major idea behind viewing the family in this way is that “an individual’s symptoms are best understood when examined in the context of the family interactional patterns,” (Gladding, 1998, p. 210). In SFT, there are two basic assumptions: 1) families possess the skills to solve their own problems; and 2) family members usually are acting with good intentions, and as such, no

One Feminist technique for Julie’s case is reframing and relabeling. In the Feminist Therapy is referred to shifting from oneself and placing blame on society. It is a different outlook as compared to reframing in Family Systems. Reframing and relabeling can be effective when the client removes her focus and blame on him or herself and place it to the society. It provides a different insight for client. For example, instead for a client to blame on depression, the client will shift the blame to society for the reason for the client may have.

Relational – Cultural Theory (RCT) began as a feminist perspective that allowed psychologists a more appropriate measure of women’s experiences in terms of relationships that were not created by and for other male researchers. The inception of this theoretical perspective originates from the recognition that most research and consequent response considers the male as the norm and makes assumptions about the experience of women based on that norm that may not give a correct account of the female experience. This standpoint, however, has evolved and “may also include a better understanding of male growth and development” (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012, p. 125). It allows for a greater understanding and ability to serve those who experience any number of situations and circumstances during the life course. Robbins et al. explain, “it has expanded to better account for all human experience, both male and female” and connects the individual problem to the greater social world; that is, it looks at the individual relationships and consequent suffering within the context of the greater culture (2012, p. 125).

Unlike many theories, Feminist theory was not founded by one, single individual. Rather, the development of feminist theory was a collaborate effort made by many. Carolyn Zerbe Enns, Laura S. Brown, Jean Baker Miller and Olivia M. Espin can be considered pioneers of feminist theory. Jean Baker Miller was a clinical professor of psychiatry at Boston University. Dr. Miller wrote and co-authored books pertinent to Feminist theory. Additionally, by collaborating with a variety of scholars and colleagues, she helped contribute to the development of relational-cultural theory (Corey, 2013).

Armed with this new awareness, the therapeutic process from a feminist perspective was reconceptualized to include an emphasis on social and political forces and an acknowledgement of their role in disempowerment for women (Brown, 2010). Additionally, the seed of creating a more respectful and humanistic approach to the counselling relationship was planted. Raising the consciousness of clients around power and focusing on societal transformation rather than individual adjustment became the identify of feminist therapy and to what Lerner (1993) referred to as the ‘feminist consciousness’. This perspective afforded practitioners a new way to view “problems” presented in therapy.

Gladding in chapters 3, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 16 looks at working with culturally diverse, therapeutic approaches of psychodynamic, Bowen, Structural, Solution-Focused and Narrative Family Therapies, the ethical, legal and professional issues in family therapy and working with substance related disorders, domestic violence and child abuse. Multiculturalism is a term used “to refer to distinct cultural groups within a region or nation and their needs” (p. 55). In providing family therapy to culturally diverse families, it is essential for one to develop “openness to diversity and cultural competence” (p. 56). Additionally, the success of family therapy in working with the culturally diverse is dependent on factors including that of sensitivity, experience, acceptance, ingenuity, specificity and intervention. Accordingly, the influence and importance of extended family and kinship ties are essential considerations for working with culturally diverse families. In working with gay and lesbian families, family therapists need to remain open, and aware of their beliefs and biases associated with gay and lesbian lifestyles. Likewise, with African American families, therapists need to have an understanding of multigenerational family systems, and address social and institutional issues such as racism, poverty and discrimination which have adversely affected African Americans.

The SF and NF is effective respect cultural difference and treat a broad range of client populations because of the collaborative framework. Solution-focused therapists direct the conversation toward hypothetical solutions, exceptions to the problem, and solution descriptions and may not avoid conversations about larger cultural constructs. Certainly as a thoughtful use of language in therapy, which may develop into relational externalizing. In opposition, the models are taking different paths, many counselors are combining SF and NT under the of postmodern therapy process by combining different varieties existences to create a strength-based and collaborative perspective hybrid. Although the analysis of modern power focuses on desires. Meanwhile,

Feminist therapy can be long term because it has to do with clients’ goals in life and making their lives better each day. The counselor has to be very careful in this type of therapy they cannot impose their own values especially about race, gender, sex, and class. In comparison to the client the counselor should be aware of their privilege in regards to socioeconomic status, race, and sexual orientation. This is to make sure that the client and counselor can built a relationship of trust with each other and power can be balanced somewhat. Some of the feminist therapist let their clients know of their perspective others will not address it because of the stereotypes associated with their feministic perspective. The key is not to enforce values

Feminist theory has developed through education of higher learning to advocate for social justice and gender inequality amongst race, class, and sexual identity. As gender and sex are the two-important stereotypes that determine the masculine and feminine responsibility in the workplace and relationship, dominant men utilize power women to devalue their ability and make them feel powerless. Feminist theory is a concern in the social work practice to women and all persons, as social workers help the necessities through assessments and interventions. Social workers incorporate theories of empowerment and feminist theory in a combination to help individuals, families, and people to gain control and improve their situation.

There are several sociocultural approaches and issues in treatment. One sociocultural approach is group therapy. Group therapy has six qualities that create a sense of likeability, the information, universality, altruism, experience of a positive family group, development of social skills, and interpersonal learning. After looking into group therapies, I feel that I like the feature altruism because having this characteristic allows people to feel motivated and confident knowing they have support. I always feel a better confidence and motivation when others support me with encouraging words. Two other types of approaches are family and couples therapy. Family therapy has several strategies, that are used. Validation is when the therapist shows

Moreover, feminist therapy stands out since it does not have one distinct founder. Rather, this therapy developed by the numerous contributions of female theorists, practitioners, and researchers (Evans, Kincade, Marbley, Seem, 2005). Unfortunately, this paper lacks the space to acknowledge all of the influential women who made feminist therapy possible. I will, however, highlight a select few – Olivia Espin,

I had originally planned to reflect upon my thoughts and opinions on the different theories that were presented on this semester and how I believe they will be used in my future practice. There were many interesting theories that I had not paid much attention to in my master’s program or at conferences that has now caught my attention. However, after the presentation on feminist family therapy, I decided to change my reflection paper. I want to reflect upon the impact of feminism in my personal and professional lives and how I plan to use it in my practice with clients both from the dominant and non-dominant cultures.

When going into the counseling profession it is expected to have difficult cases. Amina has the appearance of a woman who is domestically abused, and has traumatic experiences. She is unable to voice her emotions, however she is able to express her physical, which makes me think that this is based on her culture. In order to have a successful therapy then we must focus on her culture and personal choices. The theories that I chose will focus on the individual as well as the culture that she is from. It should also help her understand her new culture and encourage her to self-reflect, self-realize, and connect with her emotional side

The central focus of feminist counselling is gender, therapists must understand and be sensitive to how psychological oppression and socialization influence identity development.