Discussion Context:
In 2001, Derald Wing Sue developed a framework to conceptualize personal identity development called the tripartite development of personal identity. This model prompts us to consider personal identity at the individual, group, and universal levels, and thus what is unique for each of us, what is common to groups of people, and what is common to all people. Last week you were guided to consider some of your most salient biopsychosocial characteristics, or what may be unique to you and your family. This week, you have been guided to review and identify sections from the AAMFT code of ethics that defines the ethical obligations you will be expected to uphold as a marriage and family therapist.
This discussion will help you examine your thoughts and experiences related to the themes assessed in the MAKSS, specifically highlighting aspects of awareness, knowledge, and skill that will help build your cultural competence.
1)Discussion Prompt:
Put yourself in the shoes of a marriage and family therapy intern at the relevant Riverbend City clinic having a conversation with your site supervisor and another intern on-site.
Consider how you would:
My MAKSS results summary: my topic was about skin tone. I got high scores in the multicultural awareness and multicultural knowledge sections of the MAKSS and average scores in the multicultural skills section. The results make sense because I have been aware of my culture and how we have been marginalized for generations, so it becomes something you grow up knowing and seeing happen, including education segregation and unfairness in the criminal justice system. I was not surprised that I scored highly in the multicultural awareness and knowledge section because it is something my parents told me about since I was young, and I have seen it happen in our society.
Describe your MAKSS results, first with a focus on your initial reactions. What surprised you and what fits with or confirmed your expectations, in terms of the results?
Describe how the characteristics of awareness, knowledge, and skill align with the AAMFT code of ethics.
Explain how a multicultural/cultural competence approach to therapy differs from traditional clinical work.
Identify specific, meaningful activities or steps you will plan for this quarter to expand your competence in the areas of awareness, knowledge, and skill, and cultivate a posture of cultural humility.
Draw upon your results from the MAKSS to narrow down areas to focus on.
