Chapters 10 and 11 covered a variety of topics, such as African American families,
professional and ethical standards, single-parent families' substance use, and blended family
systems. The two subjects I want to explore are blended families and substance use. I can
personally relate to both and want to gain a better understanding. Often in my current field of
work, I see youth experience sadness, envy, and confusion with it comes to having a blended
family or a parent battling substance abuse.
Blended families are getting increasingly popular as time goes on. Families in their late
twenties and thirties are more likely to merge than other age groups. This is due to failing
parent-child connections and the decision to move on and find love elsewhere (Nichols & Davis,
2020). During this period, families may clash over rules, limits, parenting ideologies, and
changes in habit. While reading about this topic, I was struck by my own childhood and adult
experiences. Navigating the personal fights of roles between each member of the blended
family can be difficult. As a family therapist, it is critical to be aware of each family member,
particularly children, who can have the most difficulty adjusting to new family rules.
Another issue families face is the abuse of substance. Typically, drug abuse is labeled
the “loner” addict, however, most abusers live in families (Gruber & Taylor, 2006). Substance
abuse can disrupt a family’s cohesiveness and function. My initial reaction to this discovery was
that I didn’t realize how much drug misuse can affect members of a family if they are not the
ones using the substance. I thought back to a time in my life when one of my parent’s substance
abuse affected my school routine, diet, and just social interactions. As a result, counselors need
to understand systemic strategies in order to support the treatment of the entire family, not just
the addict. To ensure that therapy is effective, it is critical to urge all family members to
collaborate in the recovery process and to maintain control over the therapeutic environment.
Both of these topics can be rooted in challenging the professional and ethical standards
of the counseling profession. According to the American Association for Marriage Family
Therapy Code of Ethics, therapists must remain impartial and avoid displaying bias towards
different family members. Additionally, client welfare and honoring cultural dynamics are
emphasized by the AAMFT. In terms of faith, the scripture that comes to mind when dealing with
blended families and families dealing with the misuse of substances is James 1:19 and
Corinthians 1:3-4. These scriptures focus on using God as a source of comfort and being
patient with communicating during difficult times.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2015). Code of ethics. Retrieved from
https://www.aamft.org/Legal_Ethics/Code_of_Ethics.aspx
Gruber, K.J. & Taylor, M. F. (2006). A family perspective for substance abuse: Implications from
the literature. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 6, 1/2, 1-29.
Nichols, M. P., & Davis, S. D. (2020). Family therapy: Concepts and methods (12th ed.). Pearson.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
Hi Dametri,
I enjoyed reading your post about African American families. I can completely agree and
relate to your views on the dynamics of the African American Family. I particularly enjoyed
reading about your spiritual and religious background within your family and how you were able
to give insight into your personal connections to the topic. I come from a similar background
and can remember growing up in my grandmother’s church. The roots of spirituality are deeply
embedded into the African American culture. It is believed that these traditions and emphasis
come from slavery (Bailey, 2002). I hold on strongly to the belief that black slaves were only able
to survive due to their belief in God. This is evident in many films on African American culture,
including the stories withing slavery. African American families are strong in culture and
maintain a cultural identity. I recall the first film I saw that embodied the culture and traditions of
the African American family, Soulfood. I was able for the first time see my family traditions and
conflicts represented on screen.
Additionally, Nicholas and Davis discuss the focus on extending the family networks and
the importance of spirituality (2020). This is brought to life when you address the struggle that
families face accepting gays and lesbians, especially those who have strong religious views. It
is heavily documented that gays and lesbians experience exile from their families. This group
experiences hate not only from society but often from the ones who are supposed to love them.
This has created discourse and tension in the family system and often requires therapeutic help.
This topic can be particularly challenging for Christian counselors. Therefore it is important to
maintain the ACA code of ethics expectations and scriptures that are focused on loving one
another. Scriptures that come to mind are John 13:34-35, which expresses that it is important to
remember that Jesus wants us to “love each other” above all and therefore we are employed to
treat all clients the same with respect, empathy, and dignity.
Bailey, C. M. (2002). Spirituality and resistance: The persistence of religion among enslaved
people. Journal of African American Studies, 6(3), 43-57.
Nichols, M. P., & Davis, S. D. (2020). Family therapy: Concepts and methods (12th ed.). Pearson.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
