Systems-Centered Training for Therapists: Beyond Stereotyping to Integrating Diversities into the Change Process

Abstract

This article highlights the systems-centered approach to training therapists and the particular ways a systems-centered approach is relevant in integrating diversities ij a change process. The systems-centered methods are especially useful in moving beyond stereotyping whether related to gender, race or culture; to exploring the real similarities and differences in people in a way that the differences can be integrated as resources. By introducing theory and methods that create the conditions for lowering personalizing and increasing an understanding of context, therapists-in-training learn to see themselves and their client in context, as well as learn how to develop the contexts in which clients can develop by integrating differences in themselves and others.

KEYWORDS:

• diversity
• scapegoating
• supervision
• systems-centered therapy

Acknowledgments

SCT® and Systems-Centered® are registered trademarks owned by Dr. Yvonne M. Agazarian and the Systems-Centered Training and Research Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Notes

Though systems-centered therapy and training is applicable to individuals, couples, groups and families, the primary focus in this article is the training of therapists in systems-centered therapy which has a strong group emphasis. This training emphasis links to the systems-centered focus on the citizenship responsibility of learning to contribute to the contexts of which we are part in a way that shapes the context, which in turn influences our social and personal identity. In addition, group provides a unique context for exploring diversity issues in vivo.

It is also vital that the teacher or supervisor has learned to apply the systems-centered methods with himself or herself first, and similarly, has explored the experience of and attitudes about their own social identity before addressing these issues with trainees.