Microlevel Advocacy: A Common Process in Couple and Family Therapy

Abstract

Advocacy is an essential element to mental health practitioners' professional identity. Some scholars contend that many couple and family therapists lack the skill set needed to effectively advocate. However, these researchers often discuss advocacy solely on the macrolevel, which makes advocacy appear unidimensional and may feel out of reach for many practitioners. In this article, we argue that advocacy is not unidimensional, but consists of two levels: macro-and microlevel advocacy. Microlevel advocacy is client-centered and is effectively performed by couple and family therapists on a regular basis. By broadening the definition of advocacy to include the microlevel, we argue that advocacy is a common process of couple and family therapy that cuts across therapy models and is interwoven into the very being of a couple and family therapist. We present in this article a comprehensive case vignette to illustrate how microlevel advocacy may be performed by CFTs. Clinical and training implications are offered to help clinicians begin to bridge the gap between micro-and macrolevel advocacies.

Strengthening lower‐income families: Lessons learned from policy responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…At the practice level, practitioners who listen to family narratives of oppression and respond appropriately may positively influence family's experiences within interventions (Watson et al, 2020 ). Similarly, continued micro‐ and macrolevel advocacy by clinicians can help promote policies that reduce discriminatory practices (e.g., Holyoak et al, 2021 ). Greater representation of those racialized as Black and Latinx throughout the research, practice, and policy process could help address inequities (Watson et al, 2020 ).…”

Family Counselors Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health in Underserved Communities

“…The AAMFT also notes that assessing and addressing SDOMH requires taking action to support diversity, equity, and community betterment on individual and community levels. Such advocacy can take place on a broader, macro-level scale (e.g., major policy changes) or on a micro- or client-level (Bradley et al, 2010; Holyoak et al, 2021). CFCs may feel “inadequate” to create meaningful change through macro-level advocacy, necessitating them to expand their view of advocacy to also include micro-level advocacy, or individualized, personalized, and client-centered work.…”

Learning to Embody a Social Justice Perspective in Couple and Family Therapy: A Grounded Theory Analysis of MFTs in Training

“…D' Arrigo-Patrick et al, 2017;Holyoak et al, 2020;McDowell et al, 2019;Pandit et al, 2014). However, there is limited guidance regarding how one learns to apply these social justice-related principles into clinical practice (Baima & Sude, 2020).…”