Do we really understand? An experiential exercise for training family therapists

This paper presents an experiential exercise for training beginning marriag e and family therapists, as well as several adaptations of the format. The basic exercise consists of role playing a therapy session in which the peop le playing the clients speak a language that is not understood by the thera pist-in-training. Although the therapist cannot understand the clients, the clients can understand the therapist. This exercise assists students to be come more cognizant of the need to be cautious and curious in the cocreatio n of meaning in therapy. In addition, this exercise builds confidence and c linical skills, such as learning about nonverbal communication while observ ing process.