Socioculturally Attuned Experiential Family Therapy

It is not possible to fully understand ourselves — how we think, feel, and act — without realizing the impact of culture, societal systems, and power dynamics on our everyday lives. This chapter describes enduring concepts and practices related to experiential family therapy and illustrates how therapists can integrate principles of sociocultural attunement into experiential approaches. A set of guidelines is offered for considering human potential within societal context. Therapists attune and bear witness to clients, help them make meaning of their experience, and walk next to them on their journey. They notice, explore, and intervene in power dynamics, naming that which is overlooked or marginalized, and valuing their voices. Therapy promotes third order change as family members socioculturally attune to each other, envision new possibilities, and experience their transformative effect. The chapter concludes with a case example that demonstrates these principles.