Assignment:
APA style
300 words
John Battiste
Feminist, solution-focused, and narrative therapies are all approaches that I would use with my future clients, who will be elementary-aged students and their families, particularly those living in low-income areas. This population often experiences unique stressors, so it is important to use necessary approaches that are practical, empowering, and easy to understand. Each of these therapies offers distinctive and valuable support and is backed by research.
Feminist therapy is helpful when addressing issues related to equity, power, and social challenges. Even young students can feel unheard or impacted by inequality. This approach concentrates on empowerment and helps families understand how outside factors, such as their community and economic stress, influence their experiences (Brown, 2018). It can also help caregivers in support of their children. Research shows that feminist-informed approaches can improve self-confidence and awareness of social influences on mental health (Sanyata, 2020).
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is especially effective for this population because it is easy to understand, strengths-based, and goal-oriented. It helps students and families focus on what is already working and build from there. This is ideal in school settings, in which time is limited. Studies show that SFBT improves behavior, emotional wellness, and relationships (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013; Vermeulen-Oskam, 2024).
Narrative therapy helps students who feel defined by their struggles. It encourages them to reframe their stories in more positive and empowering ways. This can build emotional fortitude and improve both mental health and relationships (Khodayarifard, 2018).
Overall, I would use these approaches flexibly to support growth and empowerment. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Brown, L. S. (2018). Feminist therapy (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
Gingerich, W. J., & Peterson, L. T. (2013). Effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy.
Khodayarifard, M. (2018). Effectiveness of narrative therapy in groups on psychological outcomes.
Sanyata, S. (2020). Feminist-informed counseling outcomes.
Vermeulen-Oskam, E. (2024). Evidence of solution-focused brief therapy effectiveness.