Originally posted in the Family TEAM community, a network of advocates who are interested in furthering MFT policy interest.
Our country is in a state of emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent outcry from people of color and people against racial injustice serve as a symptom of the deep-rooted reality of our society. This dual crisis has begun to uncover the ugly truths of an inadequate system that the United States of America was built upon.
Leaders and government officials discuss this as a systemic problem that requires more than basic change. I hear a need for Systemic Change. Who knows more about how to introduce systemic change than systemic thinkers? Marriage and family therapists are trained to not only see problems systemically but to invoke Systemic Change.
Viewing the current state of our country through a systemic lens, it is evident that one person cannot be blamed for the problem. Not one community is the problem. Not one governmental official is the problem, nor one political party be blamed for the problem. Most importantly, not one race is the problem.
However, what is clear is we are all affected by the problem.
We understand when our clients sit in front of us, their difficulties are not only connected to their immediate circle. Their issues are also related to societal concerns. Our communities need Marriage & Family Therapists to rise out of our comfort zones and do the work outside of the therapy room. It is time for our work to be done on a macro-level. We are privileged with a systemic insight into society's influences on our clients. We must not continue to be bystanders to our clients' needs for systemic change.
As Marriage and Family Therapists, we can no longer limit our abilities to individuals, couples and families. We must begin to expand our reach to both national and global levels. Our society is calling for a systemic change. I recognize this as a direct call to Marriage & Family Therapist to become global agents of change.
I believe that we, as Marriage & Family Therapists and Marriage & Family Therapist Trainees, have the answers. I know that we have the ability to heal the country and create the systemic change that our country desires. America needs our expertise.
Join me in raising our profession to leadership. We are experts in the area of Systemic Change, and this is a call to action for Marriage & Family Therapist and Marriage & Family Therapy students.
With the current state of our society, I implore you to reflect on how your bystander stance inhibits the growth of your clients and the Marriage & Family profession? How does this stance hinder your personal growth?
I ask you to answer these questions.
What is your role as a Marriage & Family Therapist?
What can our profession do on a macro-level to create Systemic Change?
If you would like to dialogue about MFT’s about creating systemic change on a macro-level please join us on Facebook group MFT’s for Systemic Change or email me at [email protected]
Shacoya Graham has always been a social activist at heart.
Having the privilege to travel alongside families during their fertility journey has expanded her value in trust, empathy, and humility. During her career in the medical field, she witnessed a gap between medical and mental health, this inspired her desire to bridge the gap by advocating for Mental Health & Wellness.
Shacoya Graham obtained her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Queens University of Charlotte and recently completed her Masters of Marriage & Family Therapy degree from Pfeiffer University. She is excited to connect with people to create healthier individuals, families, and communities.