In today’s digital landscape, the pervasive presence of technology brings unique challenges to family dynamics, necessitating a reevaluation of traditional norms and values. As a therapist specializing in marriage and family dynamics, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of excessive technology use on familial relationships. Through systemic approaches, transformative shifts in family worldviews have been observed, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of technology use while fostering healthier relationships.
In my practice, Feminist Family Therapy (FFT) serves as a platform for each family member to critically examine their beliefs, values, and behaviors surrounding technology use. I facilitate open dialogue and mutual understanding, empowering individuals to voice their perspectives and concerns, irrespective of age or gender. Through intersectional analysis, I explore how gender roles, race, class, and sexuality intersect with technology use within the family, fostering awareness of power dynamics and inequalities. I encourage collaborative decision-making and social activism, enabling families to challenge systemic injustices and advocate for change both in their family system and in larger systems.
Bowen Family Systems Therapy: Emotional autonomy
In my practice, Bowen Family Systems Therapy focuses on increasing emotional autonomy among family members, empowering them to maintain individuality while remaining connected–differentiation of self. Within the context of technology use, I assist family members in developing a differentiated stance, enabling them to make intentional choices based on their values and feelings rather than reacting impulsively or reacting in relationship to another family member’s values and feelings. Through examining emotional triangles and multigenerational patterns, I uncover how technology use may serve as a substitute for direct emotional expression within the family system. I promote systems thinking, encouraging families to recognize the interconnectedness of technology use and family dynamics.
Socioculturally-Attuned Family Therapy: Cultural intersectionality
In my practice, Socioculturally-Attuned Family Therapy seamlessly blends elements of FFT and Bowen Family Systems Therapy, placing a strong emphasis on cultural intersectionality in tackling technology-related challenges. I aid families in identifying how intersecting social identities shape the experiences of family members with technology, fostering an understanding of cultural differences and power dynamics. Through promoting empowerment, collaboration, and emotional expression, I strive to create a supportive environment for families to navigate technology use while honoring diverse cultural perspectives.
Therapist profile
In my practice, I, Dr. Ezra Lockhart, bring a depth of experience cultivated over two decades, spanning both information technology and therapeutic work. From my tenure in the tech industry, ascending from engineering roles to directorial positions, I’ve gained intimate insights into the digital landscape’s impact on familial relationships.
Transitioning from technology to therapy, I merge technical acumen with a profound commitment to cultural humility and sensitivity. As an Indigenous therapist, I prioritize integrating diverse cultural perspectives within therapy, drawing from traditional wisdom and contemporary modalities to offer holistic and culturally sensitive care.
In therapy, I employ diverse approaches, including Haley’s Strategic Model and Feminist Family Therapy, to navigate family dynamics, especially concerning excessive technology use. As a licensed addiction counselor specializing in substance use disorders, process addictions, neurodiversity, and suicidality, I bring a nuanced understanding of addiction and mental health concerns. My compassionate approach empowers families to navigate technology challenges while fostering communication, understanding, and resilience within the family system.
Parents often held an overly optimistic view of technology, seeing it as a tool for learning and communication without fully acknowledging its potential drawbacks.
Treatment Outcomes: Transformative shifts in worldviews
As I applied systemic approaches, families underwent shifts in their worldviews regarding technology towards a middle ground. Before my intervention, parents often held an overly optimistic view of technology, seeing it as a tool for learning and communication without fully acknowledging its potential drawbacks. Conversely, children tended to view technology as an integral part of their lives, prioritizing digital interactions over face-to-face communication.
Similarly, children underwent a transformation in their worldviews towards technology moderation. Empowered to express their cultural identity and preferences, they adopt a more balanced approach, prioritizing face-to-face interactions and family bonding over excessive screen time. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the impact of technology on their lives and relationships.
By fostering open communication, empathy, and resilience, my interventions facilitate these transformative shifts, promoting healthier relationships and overall well-being within families grappling with excessive technology use. And, so can yours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a marriage and family therapist, I’ve found that systemic approaches such as Feminist Family Therapy, Bowen Family Systems Therapy, and Socioculturally-Attuned Family Therapy offers invaluable strategies for addressing excessive technology use within family dynamics. These approaches, through empowerment, emotional autonomy, and cultural intersectionality, enable families to navigate the complexities of technology-related challenges while fostering healthier relationships and promoting overall well-being. I believe that by adapting interventions to meet the unique needs of each family, we can facilitate transformative shifts in worldviews towards a balanced perspective on technology and its role in family life.
Ezra Lockhart, PhD, MHlthSc(DD), LMHC, LAC, MFTC, MAC, CAS, CDCS, is an AAMFT Professional member holding the Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor designations. For over a decade (2004-2016), Lockhart maintained client practice and consultantships with multiple home healthcare agencies in the state of Alaska. Additionally, he studied with the Faculty of Health Sciences and Centre for Disability Research and Policy at University of Sydney in Australia completing a master’s degree in Developmental Disability. Lockhart is a board certified Chemical Dependency Counselor at the state and national levels. www.easydoesitcounseling.com
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