Overcoming bias toward same-sex couples: a case study from inside an MFT ethics classroom

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Therapy and Counseling
• Ethics in Healthcare

Background:

• Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) training requires addressing diverse client populations.
• Ethical practice necessitates cultural sensitivity, even when personal beliefs conflict.
• Trainees may face challenges integrating personal values with professional obligations.

Observation:

• A trainee in an MFT ethics course struggled with religious beliefs that conflicted with providing culturally sensitive care to same-sex couples.
• The case highlights the potential for personal values to create barriers to professional ethical practice.
• This internal conflict presented a risk of discrimination, necessitating targeted educational interventions.

Findings:

• Specific classroom techniques, including creating a safe environment and fostering curiosity, facilitated the trainee's development of cultural sensitivity.
• Pivotal teaching and learning moments enabled the student to integrate ethical principles with her personal beliefs.
• The trainee successfully resolved her personal and ethical dilemma, enhancing her cultural competency.

Implications:

• The study demonstrates effective pedagogical strategies for addressing cultural competency and ethical challenges in MFT education.
• These techniques can help other trainees navigate personal beliefs and professional responsibilities, reducing the risk of discrimination.
• Implementing these methods can enhance the quality of care provided to diverse client populations in marriage and family therapy.