Exploring the Racial Experience of Therapists in Training: A Critical Race Theory Perspective

Abstract

This qualitative study focused on the experiences of students of diverse racial and national origins in order to construct knowledge about race and racism in marriage and family therapy (MFT) education. Research was completed with a critical race theory (CRT) interpretive lens. Themes of racial awareness, racism, strength and resistance, and creating kinship resonated with literature on critical multicultural education and were consistent with tenets of CRT, including acknowledging racism and recognizing the impact of multiple intersecting identities; interrogating socially constructed, dominant-culture knowledge; valuing voices from marginalized locations; and commitment to social justice. Implications for MFT training and practice are discussed.