Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Contextual therapy (CT) is a foundational model within marriage and family therapy (MFT) that emphasizes relational ethics, mutual responsibility, and intergenerational influences on family dynamics. Despite its theoretical and clinical significance, contextual therapy remains underrepresented in MFT training and scholarly literature, limiting its integration into practice. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a structured, developmentally sequenced framework for teaching CT, aimed at enhancing its accessibility and applicability for educators and clinicians. Grounded in the five dimensions of relational reality, the framework integrates didactic instruction, experiential learning, and reflective practice to support conceptual understanding, clinical application, and self-of-the-therapist development. A three-phase teaching model is presented, progressing from foundational engagement to conceptual application and clinical integration. By equipping MFT educators with a structured teaching model, this paper advances the systematic integration of CT into training and supports its broader adoption in clinical practice.</p>