Understanding racial dynamics in families is important for effective therapy and advocacy. Multiracial families possess a wonderful mixture of diverse cultures, yet often have to navigate unique challenges. Models of racial and cultural identity development can provide insight in terms of assessing within-group differences, a better understanding of client reactions to therapy and therapists of similar or different racial or cultural backgrounds, and bringing visibility to sociopolitical influences on identity development. There are also some limitations to these stage-based models. While the models may be helpful in conceptualizing racial or cultural identity development, their stage-based nature can be a restricted representation of a more organic and complex process that is also affected by other biopsychosocial characteristics, such as gender, class, and sexual orientation.
Scenario:
As you have been working through your internship, you have had the opportunity to work with one or more members of the Carter family. Each member of the family has needs that are not currently being met but could be met or improved with the help of a marriage and family therapist. You have been reviewing your case notes regarding your interactions with the relevant members of the Carter family and are composing a brief report of your most significant observations and recommendations for the Carter family to review with your assigned site supervisor.
Assignment Instructions:
Write a succinct report that identifies and explains the major issues, themes, needs, and challenges faced by multiracial individuals, as presented in the Riverbend City: Carter Case Study media presentation (linked below). The purpose of the report is to serve as a starting point for a conversation around how to best help the Carter family member that you have been working with during your internship at Riverbend City. Other areas you should be prepared to discuss with your site supervisor are the ways in which biopsychosocial and systemic considerations affect the delivery of services. Lastly, apply the lens of your future marriage and family therapy practice to propose how you could best assist the Carters.
Your brief should address the following:
1)Explain biopsychosocial characteristics and systemic dynamics (for example, gender, age, socioeconomic status) that are important to consider when working with a multiracial family.
Which biopsychosocial characteristics are most important to take into account when working with a multiracial family?
Which of these characteristics are the most important to consider during your work with the Carter family specifically, and why?
Which systemic dynamics (for example, gender, age, socioeconomic status) are most important to take into account when working with a multiracial family?
Which of these dynamics are the most important to consider during your work with the Carter family specifically, and why?
2)Explain how racial and cultural identity developmental models can be used to better understand the family.
Describe how racial and cultural identity development models can help elucidate the experiences and perspective of each family member (mom, dad, and son).
Describe how racial and cultural identity models can help therapists understand the family in terms of strengths and challenges.
3)Propose appropriate strategies for resolving conflict and promoting optimal wellness through the application of marriage and family therapy.
What are the most appropriate strategies for resolving conflict and promoting wellness, with regard to the Carter family?
Why are these strategies appropriate?
How will they help resolve conflict and promote wellness?
Develop four systemic questions that will assist the therapist and family explore unique factors associated with race
How will these questions help each person in the family feel seen, heard, and understood, regarding their beliefs about race?
How will these questions challenge existing assumptions about how race is addressed in this family?
4)Address the appropriate audience, using familiar, discipline-specific language and terminology.
Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions.
Adhere to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
5)Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
Assess the relevance and credibility of information sources.
Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references.Additional Requirements:
Format: Format your report using APA style. Use the APA Style Paper Template (linked in Resources). An APA Style Paper Tutorial is also provided to help you in writing and formatting your report. In addition, you may wish to refer to the APA Style and Format page on Campus to help with specific structure, formatting, and style questions. Be sure to include:
A title page and references page. An abstract is not required.
A running head on all pages.
Appropriate section headings.
Length: Your report should be 3–4-page in length, not including the title page and references page.
Supporting evidence: Cite a minimum of 3 scholarly resources from peer-reviewed journals published within the past 5–7 years. Distinguished submissions typically exceed this minimum.
