HECL610

043871

This course examines how diverse cultural, social, and identity factors intersect within family systems and influence therapeutic processes. Grounded in family systems theory, students will explore how contextual elements such as gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status shape family structure, communication patterns, relational dynamics, and presenting concerns. Students will learn to assess cultural factors that influence family boundaries, hierarchies, roles, and patterns while developing systemic interventions that honor family strengths and cultural resources. The course focuses on conceptualizing presenting problems within the context of family systems while considering how cultural oppression, privilege, and systemic inequities affect family functioning. Students will focus on developing cultural humility by reflecting on their own experiences that may impact therapeutic relationships and practice. The goal of this course is to prepare therapists who can integrate cultural responsiveness with systemic thinking to create inclusive therapeutic environments that mobilize family systems toward healing and growth.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Graduate