Critical Consciousness in Couple and Family Therapy: Addressing Discriminatory Trauma in Marginalized Communities

This study aims to investigate the potential for improvement of psychotherapeutic outcomes in marginalized individuals who are experiencing discriminatory trauma using critical consciousness. Rooted in systemic inequalities and subjugation, discriminatory trauma, has a significant psychological impact on marginalized populations. According to existing research, critical consciousness has the potential to act as a protective factor, increasing levels of psychological well-being and resilience by encouraging awareness and action in resistance to social and systemic injustice. This study also aims to explore how the unique challenges experienced by marginalized communities can be addressed by the integration of critical consciousness into Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) practices. This study will use a quantitative approach to examine the correlation between critical consciousness, psychological wellbeing, and mental health in individuals experiencing discrimination. Additionally, it will examine ways to integrate critical consciousness into Couple and Family Therapy practices pushing the field into a more equitable and just approach to mental health care. These findings could potentially point the promotion of healing and resilience through the empowerment of marginalized individuals, couples, and families and leading to increased ability to resist the impacts of systemic oppression.