Overview
Ethical practice as a couple and family therapist requires a continual process of self-evaluation, particularly because of the inherent power and privilege that therapists hold in the therapeutic relationship. An essential component of self-evaluation is the practice of identifying biases and beliefs that are held regarding very complex intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.
In preparation for this assignment watch the documentary film 13th. While you are watching the documentary, you are encouraged to take notes about the thoughts and feelings that come up for you. Content warning: there are graphic and at times violent images depicting sexual assault/rape, physical assault/abuse, and racial trauma throughout the film.
Prepare a 2-3 page reflection paper in which you address the following:
- Summarize the key points of the film that you found to be the most impactful.
- Explain the influence of mass incarceration and the War on Drugs on substance abuse rates, particularly in BBIPOC communities.
- Describe any emotional responses that you had to the content of the film.
- Identify any biases or beliefs about addiction, the American Legal System, and addiction prevalence that became apparent for you while watching the film and discuss how these biases or beliefs may potentially present as countertransference when working with certain clients who experience addiction.
- Describe how the information that you reviewed will impact your work with diverse populations who are impacted by addiction, particularly BBIPOC clients.