Using experiential tasks to enhance cultural sensitivity among MFT trainees.
Approximately 60% of accredited MFT master's programs now offer a single course devoted to diversity and oppression, which is noteworthy given that this is not mandated by accreditation standards. For educators and trainers seeking guidance on how to most effectively teach diversity issues and train therapists who will be culturally competent, the MFT literature does an excellent job of providing support for enhancing cultural awareness, for example, cognizance of, insight into, and knowledge about diversity issues. However, far less attention is focused on assisting educators in how to enhance cultural sensitivity, for example, attunement to, emotional resonance with, and meaningful responsiveness to the needs and feelings of others. This article presents a model for how to teach about issues of diversity in ways that promote both cultural awareness and sensitivity but with emphasis on enhancing sensitivity through the use of a series of experiential tasks.
Laszloffy
Tracey
T
Northcentral University, USA. traceylasz@aol.com
Habekost
Julika
J
D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003479:Curriculum; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000193:education*; D008913:Minority Groups; D017145:Models, Educational; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States