“We Shall Overcome”: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of the Experiences of African Americans Who Overcame Barriers to Engage in Family Therapy

Keywords

family therapy, african american therapy, barriers in family therapy

Abstract

Previous research on African American clients’ participation in family therapy has concentrated on dropout rates and utilized a deficit, problem saturated perspective. Few studies have been conducted that address how African American clients overcame barriers to family therapy. The present study utilized phenomenological methodology to explore how African American clients overcame barriers to therapy and provides suggestions for successful engagement. Findings indicate that a common barrier was the stigma attached to therapy. Participants described qualities that facilitate resilience as contributing to their abilities to overcome barriers. The findings suggest changes therapists can make to respond more effectively to African Americans.

Original Publication Citation

Hall, C.H., Sandberg, J.G. (2012). “We Shall Overcome”: A qualitative exploratory study of the experiences of African Americans who overcame barriers to engage in family therapy. American Journal of Family Therapy, 40(5), 445-458.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012-09-25

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5248

Publisher

The American Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS