A Resource for CMFT Educators and Students with Steven M. Harris, PhD, LMFT, & Ronald Asiimwe, PhD, LAMFT at the University of Minnesota
A CMFT video training series is available on YouTube, produced by Steven M. Harris, PhD, and Ronald Asiimwe, PhD, at the University of Minnesota. It was designed to update a media base for training family therapists, as AAMFT’s “Masters Series” videos have grown out of date, with the content of the cases, client families, and the therapists themselves not representing the therapists or clients of a contemporary audience.
For each video, the goal is to reach out to contemporary family therapists who represent a culturally diverse population(s) and ask them to share their clinical perspectives on how they use the chosen CMFT theory or an integration of theories in brief interviews. Drs. Harris and Asiimwe hope to cover both foundational and contemporary family therapy theories and make space for innovative approaches in the practice of relationally focused mental healthcare.
>> View the YouTube channel here.
Dr. Harris notes, “This is a great resource for MFT educators and students. The goal of our work is to let BIPOC individuals interested in the CMFT field know that there are BIPOC CMFT practitioners out there who look like them and have had similar life experiences.” Dr. Asiimwe adds, “A second goal of our work in this project is to remind BIPOC MFTs that while the current CMFT models were developed in the 1970s and 1980s—primarily by practitioners who may not reflect their identities or unique lived experiences—these theories still hold great significance in in helping us understand and intervene in the dynamic relational challenges and patterns of communication that may impact the mental and relational wellbeing of culturally diverse clients nationally and globally. The KEY is to deeply engage with the particular theory or theories that resonates with you and find ways to adapt it to effectively serve the unique needs of diverse communities you are interested in.”
The following are examples of just some of the content available on the channel.
Dr. Elayne Chou discusses Bowen Theory and explains how she discovered it while seeking post-graduate education to enhance her practice, particularly in working with Asian-American clients.
>> Interview with Dr. Elayne Chou
Dr. Chou highlights the theory’s applicability across cultures, citing its focus on natural systems and human functioning. Bowen Theory acknowledges the balance between individuality and togetherness, which resonates with collectivist cultures. Dr. Chou encourages people of color to explore Bowen Theory, emphasizing the need for diverse representation in the mental health profession.
Zamzam Dini, MA, a marriage and family therapist, shares her journey to studying MFT. She was drawn to MFT’s systemic approach, which aligns with her “both/and” worldview. Dini discusses how she integrates Bowen Family Systems Theory, Experiential Family Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology in her work, particularly with clients who have experienced trauma.
>> View Bowen/Experiential/Interpersonal Neurobiology & Trauma Focused
Dini highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in therapy, using an example from a session. Further, she acknowledges the challenges of applying experiential models in different contexts, particularly with clients who have experienced trauma, and the importance of being mindful of one’s own values, biases, and subjective experiences when working with clients.
Dr. Ronald Asiimwe leads an interview on the Contemporary Family Therapy Practices and Practitioners YouTube channel.
Dr. Sesen Negash of San Diego State University shares her perspectives on working with clients of color from an Internal Family Systems model. She sees this model as a non-pathologizing way of engaging clients in self-leadership in a multi-minded approach. One of the big takeaways from this work is that practitioners cannot “rush” conversations of ongoing oppression as the therapist and client delve into historical traumas.
>> Dr. Sesen Negash discusses Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Dr. Negash further highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing the impact of historical trauma, racism, and oppression on individuals and communities. She shares an example of how she used the IFS model with a client who was experiencing depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
Dr. Negash also discusses the importance of cultural adaptability when working with clients from diverse backgrounds as well as her personal journey of exploring different therapeutic models and finding a sense of authenticity and connection with the IFS model.
Dr. Lekie Dwanyen, assistant professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program and Human Development and Family Studies Department at Michigan State University, discusses her journey to becoming a narrative therapist, focusing on trauma and family therapy. She explains the differences between narrative therapy and narrative exposure therapy, highlighting the latter’s focus on trauma and PTSD symptoms.
>> View Narrative Family Therapy & Narrative Exposure Therapy for Trauma
Narrative Therapy focuses on the client’s story, empowering them as the expert in their own life. Dr. Dwanyen emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, social justice, and strength-based approaches in narrative therapy and encourages therapists to carefully consider their own comfort level when working with trauma and to read more about narrative therapy to determine if it aligns with their philosophy and practice.
The lifeline intervention is a powerful tool for helping clients gain a broader understanding of their experiences and develop a more nuanced narrative about their lives.
Dr. Mariana Martinez discusses Bowen Family Systems Theory and shares her personal experience of discovering the theory and how it has helped her understand family dynamics.
>> Dr. Mariana Martinez discusses Bowen Family Systems Theory
Dr. Martinez explains that Bowen Theory is not just about family therapy, but about understanding human systems and the role of anxiety in shaping behavior. She notes that the theory is applicable across cultures, as it describes fundamental aspects of human relationships, and she advises those interested in Bowen Theory to study it thoroughly, apply it to their own family, and conduct research to test its ideas.
We hope educators and students will find this channel to be a helpful and valuable resource as MFTs in training navigate the start of their careers in the relationally-focused mental health field.
