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Critical Decolonizing Theories in Family Therapy

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Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice

Part of the book series: AFTA SpringerBriefs in Family Therapy ((BRIEFSFAT))

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Abstract

In this paper I lay some of the groundwork for critical decolonizing approaches to family therapy. I consider how therapy can be both liberatory and oppressive; explore the basics of critical social and decolonizing theory; and integrate critical and postmodern perspectives of power. I include human rights as a special topic to challenge reliance on relativism when faced with inequity in the practice of family therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Education & Counseling, Department of Counseling Psychology, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR, USA

    Teresa McDowell Ed.D.

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  1. Teresa McDowell Ed.D.
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Correspondence to Teresa McDowell Ed.D. .

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© 2015 American Family Therapy Academy

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McDowell, T. (2015). Critical Decolonizing Theories in Family Therapy. In: Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice. AFTA SpringerBriefs in Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15633-0_1

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