Introduction
The integrated-based theory is a practical framework for therapists because it encourages them to be attuned to their clients’ experiences and perspectives regarding race, gender, social class, and spirituality. The integration of socioculturally attuned family therapy into the practice of family therapy is a difficult task. It requires therapists to be attuned to their clients’ cultural backgrounds and understand the effects of those factors on their lives.
For this approach to be practical, therapists must use an integrated framework. They must first listen to their clients and allow them to express themselves freely before offering suggestions or making diagnoses. The core elements of attuning, naming, valuing, intervening, envisioning, and transforming (ANVIET) of the integrated-based therapy approach enable a comprehensive, systematic, and practical framework for addressing issues of race, gender, social class, and spirituality.
Examples of Therapy Approaches
It is helpful to analyze therapy approaches to understand how the integrated therapy approach can be applied practically. Firstly, according to the Bowenian theory, integrating various approaches into a therapy session can be a powerful way to ensure that the patient’s needs are met (Laszloffy, 2019). For example, integrated-based therapy tends to rely on Bowenian theory, which suggests therapists should be mindful of their patients’ feelings and physical sensations during their sessions (Laszloffy, 2019). This approach encourages therapists to balance their patients’ lives, considering both their emotional and rational aspects.
Secondly, Virginia Satir and Carl Whitaker’s experiential family therapy is another example of integrative-based therapy. It suggests that an individual’s problems stem from more significant issues at home or with society (McGoldrick & Hardy, 2019). Family members and friends must be involved to resolve these issues through therapy. Whitaker/Satir’s experiential family therapy emphasizes family connection and relationship building as essential to healing from trauma.
Thirdly, other possible approaches that could be used in integrated-based therapy include systems theory and contextual family therapy. Systems theory looks at how different parts of a system interact and how changes in one region can affect other parts of the system (McGoldrick & Hardy, 2019). The approach can be used to understand how different aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, gender, and social class, can interact and how these interactions can impact a person’s mental health. Contextual family therapy considers a person’s family and social environment when trying to understand and treat mental health issues. This approach recognizes that different family dynamics and social contexts can impact a person’s mental health and that these factors need to be considered when providing therapy.
Integrated-Based Therapy Approach
Addressing Race
The evidence-based therapy approach is critical in addressing the issue of race. It emphasizes how race or ethnicity can be a barrier to effective communication and how to work through those racial barriers. The integrated approach focuses on how to be an effective advocate for clients of color and be aware of their unique needs. Therefore, therapists can handle them effectively by attuning and naming the problem openly and honestly. The process can lead to a mutual understanding between the client and the therapist.
The central objective is to create a feeling of safety and trust, which is critical for the success of therapy. According to Knudson-Martin et al. (2019), the framework effectively addresses the issue of race in a socioculturally attuned manner. It starts with attuning to the client, which includes understanding the client’s culture and worldview.
The latter is followed by the therapist moving to name the issues that are affecting the client. Subsequently, the professional values the client’s experience and intervenes in a culturally responsive manner. As a result, the therapist envisions a future for the client that is free from the effects of racism.
When it comes to incorporating cultural competence into therapy, there are several aspects that therapists should integrate. First, therapists must be aware of their racial biases and assumptions. Second, therapists should be mindful of the stereotypes and assumptions people from different cultures may have about therapy (Sudano & Carter, 2019). In addition, therapists should be aware of how culture can affect how people think and behave (Knudson‐Martin et al., 2019). Finally, therapists should be mindful of how race can play a role in the lives of people from different cultures.
Addressing Gender
To address gender issues, it is essential to consider how well the client’s culture and values are represented in therapy. For example, a client from a culture where women are valued less than men might want to discuss how he needs to support his wife during pregnancy and childbirth (Lee et al., 2021). A client from a culture where women are valued more than men might want to talk about how he can be more supportive of her (Sudano & Carter, 2019). In the opposite context, where both genders are valued equally, discussing how one can support another might be more useful. In other words, a counselor intervenes without being sexist or misogynistic towards others.
In addition to paying attention to the client’s voices and preferences during therapy, it is essential to identify which cultural aspects may not be necessary or relevant in treatment. However, it could still affect how clients feel about themselves and their place in the world (Sue et al., 2022).For example, a client who is a woman of color may want to talk about how her skin color affects the way others treat her and how she sees herself.
A client who is a man may want to talk about how others perceive him as more masculine or feminine than he feels. It is essential to be aware of how one’s identity and background may influence how one works with clients of different genders. For example, a woman therapist may be more likely to empathize with and understand the experiences of female clients. Still, she may be more likely to stereotype or make assumptions about male clients (Walsh, 2012). A therapist who is a man may be more likely to empathize with and understand the experiences of male clients.
Addressing Social Class
The framework is derived from theories on multiculturalism, which hold that social class can have a powerful impact on people.It primarily focuses on how people think about themselves and others regarding race, ethnicity, and gender (Sue et al., 2022). The authors suggest therapists consider these factors when working with clients from different backgrounds (Sue et al., 2022). He means that therapists explore with clients how their social class background affects their experiences with discrimination and privilege (Sue et al., 2022).
Therapists should help clients understand how their social class background may interact with their race/ethnicity and gender to produce unique experiences. In addition to considering cultural background in social class relations, therapists should ensure that they envision how it affects clients’ experiences with discrimination and privilege (Sue et al., 2022). For example, men may experience discrimination based on race or ethnicity, but they may benefit from gender privilege. In contrast, women may experience discrimination based on race or ethnicity and gender.
Addressing Spirituality
Spirituality is often overlooked when it comes to diversity because it can be difficult for therapists who do not share these beliefs or understand them fully themselves. Religious beliefs and views of a counselor can have a significant impact on the mutual understanding of spirituality. It is stated that the most compatible approaches include “the constructivist who sees beliefs as socially constructed by the individual and the pluralist who recognizes a spiritual absolute with multiple interpretations“ (Fukuyama et al., 2014, p. 23).
The chosen orientation effectively addresses spirituality issues through the transformation of personal spiritual well-being. It considers the client’s spiritual needs and values when providing therapy. This allows the client to feel more comfortable and open to discussing their spiritual beliefs and how they impact their life (Chua, 2003). In addition, the therapist can offer guidance and support in helping the client to develop a more robust spiritual practice or belief system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ANVIET components within the integrated-based therapy approach provide a thorough, organized, and actionable framework for tackling matters related to race, gender, social class, and spirituality. Specifically, these approaches tend to emphasize the importance of understanding each client’s unique experiences and perspectives and tailoring interventions to meet the needs of every client. Additionally, socioculturally attuned approaches typically involve a high degree of collaboration between therapist and client, which can help to ensure that the therapy process is genuinely client-centered.
References
Chua, E. L. M. (2003). A return to spirituality: When eastern philosophy meets western practice. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 14(1), 23–35. Web.
Fukuyama, M., Puig, A., Wolf, C. P., & Baggs, A. (2014). Exploring the intersections of religion and spirituality with race-ethnicity and gender in counseling. In: M. Miville & A. Ferguson (Eds.), Handbook of race-ethnicity and gender in psychology (pp. 23–43). Springer.
Knudson‐Martin, C., McDowell, T., & Bermudez, J. M. (2019). From knowing to doing: Guidelines for socioculturally attuned family therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 45(1), 47–60. Web.
Laszloffy, T. A., & Twist, M. L. (Eds.). (2019). Eco-informed practice: Family therapy in an age of ecological peril. Springer.
Lee, E., Greenblatt, A., & Hu, R. (2021). A Knowledge Synthesis of Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy Research: A Critical Review. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 52(6), 511–532. Web.
McGoldrick, M., & Hardy, K. V. (Eds.). (2019). Re-visioning family therapy. Guilford Publications.
Sudano, L., & Carter, R. M. (2019). Culture in couple and family therapy. In: J. L. Lebow & A. L. Chambers, & D. C. Breunlin (Eds.), Encyclopedia of couple and family therapy (pp. 697–700). Springer.
Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2022). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Walsh, F. (Ed.). (2012). Normal family processes: Growing diversity and complexity. Guilford press.