Finding Our Voices in the Face of Dominant Discourse: A Closer Look at Gender Roles' Impact on Student Clinicians

Abstract

The authors explore the impact of dominant discourse in shaping normalized beliefs and attitudes about gender roles by reflecting on their experiences in a doctoral level course on postmodern family therapy. This paper represents a synthesis of our individual responses to an assignment about finding ways to challenge the dominant discourse of gender in our personal lives and as clinicians-in-training. We offer implications for use of such a pedagogical exercise as a supervisory tool to enhance supervisors' and therapists' understanding of their own and their clients' challenges with prescribed gender roles and their impact on the therapeutic process.

Keywords:

• feminist training
• dominant discourse
• family therapy supervision
• gender roles

This paper is written in memory of Dirk P. Magwitz-Greyson (1969–2009), doctoral student in the MFT program at The University of Georgia, 2008–2009. Dirk's respectful, thought-provoking questions and transparent self-reflection allowed us to examine the dominant discourse of gender with different awareness and purpose. May his voice continue to inspire others to find theirs.