Abstract
Recent attention given to environmental concerns has been vaulted to the forefront of American society and the world. This
has resulted in an increase in ecologically minded practices known as the ‘go green’ movement. Despite the overlap between
environmental sustainability and systemic thought, marriage/couple and family therapists (M/CFTs) have remained relatively
silent regarding ecologically friendly practices within training and clinical practice. In this qualitative study (the first
one of its kind), we asked 25 M/CFT trainees to describe their perceptions of ecological and family sustainability in general,
as well as in the context of applying eco-informed language and practice into their therapy. In general, M/CFT trainees reported
that although they believe that ecological practices are important for families, they struggle with what the inclusion of
such practices might look like practically. Implications for clinical practice and training are presented as well as suggestions
for future research.
has resulted in an increase in ecologically minded practices known as the ‘go green’ movement. Despite the overlap between
environmental sustainability and systemic thought, marriage/couple and family therapists (M/CFTs) have remained relatively
silent regarding ecologically friendly practices within training and clinical practice. In this qualitative study (the first
one of its kind), we asked 25 M/CFT trainees to describe their perceptions of ecological and family sustainability in general,
as well as in the context of applying eco-informed language and practice into their therapy. In general, M/CFT trainees reported
that although they believe that ecological practices are important for families, they struggle with what the inclusion of
such practices might look like practically. Implications for clinical practice and training are presented as well as suggestions
for future research.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s10591-012-9175-9
- Authors
- Markie L. C. Blumer, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453045, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3045, USA
- Katherine M. Hertlein, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453045, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3045, USA
- Stephen T. Fife, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453045, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3045, USA
- Journal Contemporary Family Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3335
- Print ISSN 0892-2764