El Ser del Terapeuta: A narrative examination into family-of-origin influence on the professional self of students in family therapy training in Colombia

Abstract

This qualitative narrative study aimed to examine how a family of origin influenced the professional self of Colombian students pursuing a profession in family therapy. Few research studies have investigated the development of self among native Spanish speakers from Colombia. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in clinical psychology and family therapy internships (N = 16) from the Colombian cities of Medellín, Pereira, and Santa Marta participated in this study. Data collection using personal diaries, family albums, autobiographies, and in-depth interviews served as sources for narrative analysis. Two themes and four subthemes representing positive and negative aspects of influences of families of origin helped organize the findings. Student experiences illustrate abilities, skills, and potentialities in the narratives. Implications for clinical training and future research recommendations highlight a path forward.