Developing a contextual consciousness: learning to address gender, societal power, and culture in clinical practice.
Despite the growing number of culturally sensitive training models and considerable literature on the importance of training clinicians in larger contextual issues, research examining how students learn to apply these issues is limited. In this participatory action research project, we systematically studied our own process as marriage and family therapy (MFT) practicum students developing a contextual consciousness. Using grounded theory, we identified a three-stage process: (a) raised awareness through clinical experimentation and developing a theoretical rationale, (b) reflective questioning involving challenging old perspectives and experiencing positive client-therapist interactions, and (c) an intentional new lens based on personal responsibility and commitment. Creating and maintaining a contextual lens required a safe, empowering group dynamic and accessing other forms of support and accountability after the practicum.
Loma Linda University. esmiolev@plu.edu
Elisabeth E
EE
Esmiol
Carmen
C
Knudson-Martin
Sarah
S
Delgado
D001364:Awareness; D002983:Clinical Competence; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology