Abstract

Feminist theorists have begun to view gendered power as a core component of relational distress (Knudson-Martin & Mahoney, 2009; Moradi, 2012). Leading couples toward equality is a social justice ethic and is arguably a stand-alone clinical outcome (Evans, Kincade, Marbley, & Seem, 2005; Fitzgerald & Betz, 1994). Leading couples toward mutual support brings relational stability and long-term relationship satisfaction in both men and women (Acitelli & Antonucci, 1994; Buunk & Mutsaers, 1999; Mahoney & Knudson-Martin, 2009; Sprecher, 2001). SERT [Socio-emotional Relationship Therapy] was designed to integrate feminist theory as a core component to bringing power change in couples (Knudson-Martin & Huenergardt, 2010). This research utilized task analysis to locate the tasks of therapists guiding couples toward mutual attunement and shared relational responsibility. The study discovered that therapists who were successful in reaching the outcome resolution would first attune to male clients, then direct those men toward relational language and mindsets, invite the female client’s perspective and finally guide an enactment of this new and mutually supportive process with the couple. This study gives clarity on the process of implementing SERT which can guide the training process of new feminist therapists.

LLU Discipline

Systems, Families, and Couples

Department

Counseling and Family Sciences

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Jacqueline M. Williams-Reade

Second Advisor

Bryan Cafferky

Third Advisor

Lena Lopez-Bradley

Fourth Advisor

Kirstee Williams

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2019

Date (Title Page)

6-2019

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Feminist therapy; Relationships, Man-woman; Gender Equity.

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xiii, 104 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Included in

Counseling Commons

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