Sarah K. Samman, Heather A. Frick, Rachael A. Dansby Olufowote
{"title":"Medical Family Therapy with Diverse Populations Part I: interracial Couples Navigating Infertility, Racialized Pregnancy, and Pregnancy Loss","authors":"Sarah K. Samman, Heather A. Frick, Rachael A. Dansby Olufowote","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2128623","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2128623","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) is a much-needed and growing specialization in the United States and internationally, bringing attention to the relationship between acute and chronic illness and their reciprocal impact on couple and family systems. Despite the growth of MedFT and the growing body of research affirming its effectiveness in general, there remains a need for greater research demonstrating its effectiveness with specific medical conditions, such as pregnancy-related issues, namely infertility, racialized pregnancy, and pregnancy loss. Much of the research related to these losses leaves out at least two important populations impacted by these events – interracial couples and men. In this paper, we discuss the experiences of interracial couples, generally, and men, specifically, to: (1) draw attention to unique struggles faced by interracial couples, with special attention to cisgender male (cis male) partners’ experiences, (2) describe how MedFTs utilizing a systemic, relational, BPSS focus, are well-positioned to effectively work with interracial couples experiencing infertility, racialized pregnancy, and pregnancy loss, and (3) include a case example to illustrate how a MedFT might approach working with an interracial couple experiencing these struggles. Finally, we conclude by providing clinical recommendations and practical future directions for research in the areas of infertility, racialized pregnancy, and pregnancy loss, and discuss future MedFT training needs. GRAPHICAL ABSTARCT","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45695491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachael A. Dansby Olufowote, Sarah K. Samman, H. Frick
{"title":"Medical Family Therapy with Diverse Populations Part II: Understanding & Treating Interracial & International Couples with Chronic Illness Using Emotionally Focused MedFT","authors":"Rachael A. Dansby Olufowote, Sarah K. Samman, H. Frick","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2125264","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2125264","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Background: Globalization has resulted in the increase of interracial and interracial-international couple relationships around the world, some of whom also live with chronic illness. Despite growing positive attitudes toward interracial relationships, these couples experience multiple health disparities and disparate treatments compared to same-race couples. Aims: In this paper, we illuminate the general experience of interracial couples around the world to: (1) draw special attention to how sociocultural discourses influence them individually and as a couple; (2) highlight the disparities in equitable health care received by interracial couples; and (3) discuss how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a useful framework for working with interracial couples with chronic illness and how it can be a larger training area in medical family therapy (MedFT) and its application to chronic health issues faced by couples. Method: We include a case example integrating EFT and the BPSS model to address the cross-cultural experiences and treatment needs of interracial couples struggling with a chronic illness experience. Discussion: Clinical recommendations include the necessity of multipartiality and self-of-the-therapist examinations alongside sociocultural assessment and culturally atuned treatment of interracial couples with chronic illness. Future directions include advocating for the expansion of EFT training in MedFT and chronic illness treatment. Graphical abstract","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48673847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Celebrating 30 years of Medical Family Therapy: introduction to the Special Issue","authors":"T. Edwards","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2126090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2126090","url":null,"abstract":"Therapy: A Biopsychosocial Approach to it aberrations on the disordered somatic (biochemical neurophysiological) processes. Thus, the model embraces reductionism, philosophical that complex phenomena are ultimately derived from a single primary principle, and mind-body dualism, the doctrine","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43171969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring substance use perceptions among Family Therapy and Counseling trainees upon entering an opioid use disorder treatment training program","authors":"Rikki Patton, Jessica L. Chou, Yuelei Dang, Asif Zaarur, Heather Katafiasz, Phyllis Swint","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2123692","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2123692","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Little is known about Couple/Marriage and Family Therapy (C/MFT) or Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) trainees with respect to their baseline perceptions about substance use and other systemically relevant therapeutic concepts integral to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Understanding trainee’s baseline perceptions upon entering a SUD-focused training program may allow for directed tailoring of the training to meet student’s educational needs in learning about how to work with families affected by SUD most effectively. To help address this gap, this study examined substance use perceptions of C/MFT and CMHC trainees upon initial enrollment in an opioid training program. Masters-level trainees completed a baseline survey assessing substance use/user perceptions, efficacy in working with substance-using clients, interprofessional collaboration, multicultural competency, and professional quality of life. Baseline data from n = 61 trainees were examined. Findings indicated substance use perceptions were related to trainee efficacy, multicultural competence, and professional quality of life. Further, there were group differences in drug perceptions based on previous substance use training and in trainee efficacy related to working with families affected by substance use, as well as and previous experience working with families affected by substance use. The current findings can inform development and refinement of substance use training within the behavioral health fields and develop the substance use workforce.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42563169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Turkish Attributions to Marriage: the Role of Family of Origin Functioning and Perceived Parenting","authors":"Serdar Körük, Ali Ammar Kurt, Alper Karababa","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2121588","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2121588","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the role of family of origin functioning and perceived parenting styles in explaining the meanings that individuals attribute to the concept of heterosexual marriage in a Turkish sample. Method: One hundred seventy-five Turkish individuals reached by online-sampling were included in the study. In the data analysis, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted.Fındıngs: Analysis results showed that while the predictivity of affective responsiveness, communication, behavioral control, and roles dimensions of the family of origin functioning were found significant, it was seen that emotionally depriving mother/father, normative mother/father, exploitative/abusive father, belittling/criticizing father, and conditional/achievement father perceptions shape the concept of marriage. Conclusıon: This study showed that the elements related to the family of origin system and perceived parenting styles play a role in the formation of meanings that individuals attribute to heterosexual marriage.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47719598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Role of Medical Family Therapists in Reproductive Healthcare Settings Serving Gender Diverse Patients: a Reproductive Justice Approach","authors":"Gabrielle C. Gebel, Rachel M. Diamond","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2120320","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2120320","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals have historically experienced discrimination accessing reproductive rights. This transcends into the ways in which the current systems of healthcare are structured to continue perpetuating the marginalization of this population of gender diverse persons, specifically as it relates to reproductive care. Throughout this paper, we will utilize a reproductive justice framework to explore ways in which transgender patients experience discrimination in unique ways through micro- and macroaggressions within the healthcare system based on the intersection of the reproductive healthcare services in which they are seeking, paying special attention to pregnancy and postpartum care, and their unique social identity. This paper will conclude with specific recommendations for how medical family therapists can impact healthcare systems by integrating trauma-informed care aligned with a reproductive justice framework.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48141181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Rajaei, Jakob F. Jensen, Andrew S. Brimhall, Adrian Knauss, A. Schwartz, Essie Torres, O. Kose
{"title":"Adaptive Processes Through Crisis: a Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Examination of Couples Facing Cancer","authors":"A. Rajaei, Jakob F. Jensen, Andrew S. Brimhall, Adrian Knauss, A. Schwartz, Essie Torres, O. Kose","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2106744","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2106744","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT It is crucial for scholars and clinicians to have a thorough understanding of the effect cancer has on family systems. Since romantic partners play an important role in the support and care of patients with cancer, they are particularly impacted by the cancer diagnosis and treatment. In the current study, we explored the association among the biological, psychosocial, spiritual, and interpersonal adaptive processes associated with romantic relationship quality and stability in couples with cancer (N = 160). Implications are provided for clinicians, and researchers.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46635317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jason N. Linder, Alba Niño, Sesen Negash, Sandra A. Espinoza
{"title":"Thematic Analysis of Therapists’ Experiences Integrating EMDR and EFT in Couple Therapy: Conditions and Risks of Integration","authors":"Jason N. Linder, Alba Niño, Sesen Negash, Sandra A. Espinoza","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2090205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2090205","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In this paper, we present and discuss partial findings of a thematic analysis on the experiences of 13 licensed clinicians who integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in couple therapy. We cover five of the seven themes that emerged from the data. These themes refer to practical factors of implementation, such as identifying and assessing the conditions necessary for effective integration, risks of integrating, and timing of integration in couple therapy. One additional theme refers to the institutional and training factors that might hinder model integration. After presenting the findings, we contrast them with available literature. We conclude by discussing clinical and research implications.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43273938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Timothy K. Phillips, Ashley L. Rose, M. L. Strickland
{"title":"The Mediating Role of Self-Leadership in the link between Racial Identity Attitudes, Mental Health Outcomes, and Race Related Stress","authors":"Timothy K. Phillips, Ashley L. Rose, M. L. Strickland","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2084316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2084316","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Introduction: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy has grown in popularity over the last several decades, demonstrating promising utility, especially in the treatment of mood disorders. However, IFS researchers have yet to explore its relevance specifically for Black populations in the United States. Objective: The present study investigated relationships between self-leadership, racial identity attitudes, race related stress, and mental health outcomes. Specifically, this study examined self-leadership as a potential mediator in the relationship between Black racial identity attitudes and the experience of race-related stress and mental health outcomes Methods: Participants (N = 79) were Black-identifying undergraduate students who completed self-report inventories. Mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results: Self-leadership significantly predicted less severe negative mental health outcomes. Additionally, self-leadership fully mediated the relationship between the pre-encounter attitude of self-hatred and mental health outcomes, and self-leadership partially mediated the relationship between multiculturalist inclusive attitudes and stress due to institutional racism. Conclusion: Findings point to the potential utility of a major component of IFS, self-leadership, for future Black clinical populations.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49273828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Opportunities and Limitations in Global Mental Health Training: A Qualitative Study of Jordanian Primary Care Physicians","authors":"J. Rosal, W. Al-Delaimy","doi":"10.1080/2692398X.2022.2055430","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2055430","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Cultural stigma combined with limited available qualified mental health professionals in the setting of political conflict and a refugee crisis represent great challenges toward providing mental health care to patients in the country of Jordan. We conducted focus groups with eight physicians to evaluate the Global Mental Health Certificate Program (GMHC) a novel program for primary care physicians intended at improving mental health diagnosis and treatment utilizing psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. With the use of educational modules focused on mental health with major component on family therapy the program had positive impacts on information and attitude of mental health over and above other continuing education opportunities. However, it was also shown that stigma, time limitations, resources, and gaps in continuing education limit the application of these benefits. We provide recommendations for those teaching and designing mental health programs based on focus group recommendations and current literature.","PeriodicalId":29822,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Systemic Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49263002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}