Social Location Reflection
As clinicians our inability to relate to clients due to different social identities such as race, socio-economic class, and other factors may cause difficulty in practice. Discussion of social location, “a process in which the therapist initiates a conversation with a family about similarities and differences in their key identities, such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, and religion, and how they may potentially influence the therapy process” (Watts-Jones, 2010, pg.405), is useful in facilitating understanding of this common barrier of practice. Fortunately, I have discussed social location with clients and can think of various instances when this discussion was useful. My first instance of discussing social indicators
…show more content…
I also disclosed that I struggled daily to maintain a sense of self in an environment constantly pushing me to conform to societal norms. Instantly, Brittany began to reveal more about her life. She revealed that she was from Pritchard, Alabama, a severely impoverished community. She also communicated that it was difficult for her to maintain her life while working, attending high school, and raising a child.
Simply addressing the issue of social location changed the dynamics of my therapy sessions with Brittany. She seemed to be more open and receptive to our sessions. She also took on more of a leadership role during group therapy. One major challenge was Brittany’s inability to connect with other counselors. Once Brittany and I formed a bond, she refused to work with anyone else during individual therapy. This caused conflict with other counselors who worked with Brittany when I was …show more content…
It creates a space in therapy for addressing issues of privilege and subjugation (Watts-Jones, 2010, pg.410). My experience thus far with discussing social locators with clients has been pivotal in fostering rapport. I will admit that my experience is limited to clients whose social locators mirror my own. I am curious to see the results of this discussion with clients whose social identities are different. Moreover, I am certain this would be an interesting conversation that would take me outside of my normal therapeutic comfort
I also disclosed that I struggled daily to maintain a sense of self in an environment constantly pushing me to conform to societal norms. Instantly, Brittany began to reveal more about her life. She revealed that she was from Pritchard, Alabama, a severely impoverished community. She also communicated that it was difficult for her to maintain her life while working, attending high school, and raising a child.
Simply addressing the issue of social location changed the dynamics of my therapy sessions with Brittany. She seemed to be more open and receptive to our sessions. She also took on more of a leadership role during group therapy. One major challenge was Brittany’s inability to connect with other counselors. Once Brittany and I formed a bond, she refused to work with anyone else during individual therapy. This caused conflict with other counselors who worked with Brittany when I was …show more content…
It creates a space in therapy for addressing issues of privilege and subjugation (Watts-Jones, 2010, pg.410). My experience thus far with discussing social locators with clients has been pivotal in fostering rapport. I will admit that my experience is limited to clients whose social locators mirror my own. I am curious to see the results of this discussion with clients whose social identities are different. Moreover, I am certain this would be an interesting conversation that would take me outside of my normal therapeutic comfort