“As Therapists, We Get to Be Quietly Subversive”: A Qualitative Exploration of CFTs' Social Justice Practices

Abstract

Scholars from counseling fields have long urged therapists to recognize the moral imperative of promoting justice and co-creating a more equitable society. Because of their systemic lens, couple, and family therapists (CFTs) are uniquely poised to create systemic change. Scholars in the CFT field have underscored the importance of social justice for decades. However, little empirical evidence exists in the CFT field on how social justice is being prioritized. Using Freire's critical consciousness, this study explores CFT's social justice practices utilizing a national sample of CFTs (n = 22). This study investigates how participants define social justice, develop critical consciousness, address oppression, and practice advocacy. Clinical implications for CFTs to provide culturally responsive services and improve advocacy are discussed.