Weaving research-based advocacy into MFT teaching - Dr. Kristen Benson

On the podcast today, I am honored to have Kristen Benson, Ph.D., LMFT. Dr Benson is an Associate Professor of human development and family science at Virginia Tech University. She is the Program Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program and an AAMFT-approved supervisor. 

Dr. Kristen Benson identifies as a scholar-practitioner, aiming to conduct research that informs inclusive clinical practice with LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships—a population that seeks therapy at higher rates, yet therapists often report minimal competency training. She is motivated to engage in timely research to change clinical practice and inform policies and legislation to better serve marginalized communities.

Her teaching and clinical training philosophy is guided by collaborative practices focused on the liberation of historically underrepresented groups, informed by the works of Paulo Freire and bell hooks. She firmly believes that teaching and learning practices that critically address socially marginalized groups help therapists-in-training become competent in their work with all clients.

I know so far in the podcast our discussion featured questions I sourced from a PhD in MFT student or recently graduated PhD. This time, I am the early-career MFT educator (with questions) and I am very excited to have Dr. Benson with us today to share her wisdom and lived experiences. 

Questions we discussed today (developed by host Dr. Sofia Georgiadou)

1. Can you share with us any particularly satisfying moments when specific initiatives or your academic work have influenced policy making and legislation?
2. Where should MFT educators start as they leverage their research and scholarship to influence legislative advocacy effectively?
3. How could MFT educators incorporate social justice principles into their teaching and supervision practices to enhance student learning and client outcomes?
4. How can MFT educators better prepare students for working with transgender and non-binary clients and their families?
5. Can you share your insights on how educators can prepare students to effectively support LGBTQIA clients, particularly in regions where such affirming practices might face resistance?
6. What strategies do you recommend for MFT educators from equity-seeking communities as they navigate the academy? How did you find allies and accomplices within the academic spaces you occupied so far?

Resources:

McGeorge, C. R., Kellerman, J., & Carlson, T. S. (2018). Indicators of LGB Affirmative Training: An Exploratory Study of Family Therapy Faculty Members. Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, 30(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952833.2017.1381825

Heiden-Rootes, K., Benson, K., Capshaw, E., & Carmichael, A. P. (2024). Understanding Transgender and Non-binary Youth Mental Health Through the Family Resilience Framework: A Literature Review. Contemporary Family Therapy, 46(3), 327–338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-023-09688-3 

Heiden‐Rootes, K., McGeorge, C. R., Salas, J., & Levine, S. (2022). The effects of gender identity change efforts on Black, Latinx, and White transgender and gender nonbinary adults: Implications for ethical clinical practice. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 48(3), 927–944. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12575

McGeorge, C. R., Coburn, K. O., & Walsdorf, A. A. (2021). Deconstructing cissexism: The journey of becoming an affirmative family therapist for transgender and nonbinary clients. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 47(3), 785–802. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12481 

McGeorge, C. R., Kellerman, J., & Carlson, T. S. (2018). Indicators of LGB Affirmative Training: An Exploratory Study of Family Therapy Faculty Members. Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, 30(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952833.2017.1381825 

McGeorge, C. R., & Stone Carlson, T. (2016). The State of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affirmative Training: A Survey of Faculty from Accredited Couple and Family Therapy Programs. Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 42(1), 153–167. https://doi-org.uhcl.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/jmft.12106