Third‐Order Thinking in Family Therapy: Addressing Social Justice Across Family Therapy Practice

Abstract

We contend that the field of family therapy is undergoing a notable shift from second- to third-order thinking. We offer theoretical support and examples to demonstrate how third-order thinking provides a framework for integrating heightened sociocultural attunement into family therapy practice. We discuss the importance of third-order thinking relative to being prepared to invite families into third-order change. Finally, we offer a case example to show specific guidelines for third-order practice.