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Values in Family Therapy Practice and Research: An Invitation for Reflection

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Abstract

Values have been shown to be a pervasive part of both marriage and family therapy (MFT) clinical practice and research. Yet, many therapists and researchers remain unclear about how values affect their work. This article examines the influence of Western philosophical assumptions and therapy traditions in light of current understandings of values in therapy. The influence of values in MFT research processes is similarly examined. Implications for how family therapy professionals can be more reflective and sophisticated in their understanding of values in clinical practice and scientific inquiry are discussed. Suggestions for addressing values in MFT training also are given.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Gregory Brock, Ph.D. and Robyn Mowery, Ph.D., Department of Family Studies, University of Kentucky, for their helpful reviews of an earlier draft of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nevada, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453045, Las Vegas, NV, 89154–3045, USA

    Stephen T. Fife

  2. Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Jason B. Whiting

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  1. Stephen T. Fife
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Correspondence to Stephen T. Fife.

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Fife, S.T., Whiting, J.B. Values in Family Therapy Practice and Research: An Invitation for Reflection. Contemp Fam Ther 29, 71–86 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-007-9027-1

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