Utilizing an ecological framework to integrate social identities and sociopolitical analysis in psychotherapy

Abstract

This article explores how the political events from the past year have influenced psychotherapeutic sessions with a female adolescent who is Peruvian, undocumented, and initially presented with symptoms of anxiety and a history of trauma. Focusing on this case example and utilizing an ecological framework, this article explores how the social identities of the therapist and their relation to power and privilege impact the therapeutic interventions that were chosen and not chosen. Additionally, there is a review of the benefits of consultation with a colleague of differing social identities and how this form of consultation can influence a clinician's reactions to clients regarding social or political issues, as well as how integrating a sociopolitical analysis is a useful and sometimes necessary addition to the usual work of therapy.

Keywords: consulting; ecological framework; political events; social identities; therapy.