Love in a time of anti-Blackness: social rank, attachment, and race in psychotherapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper draws on critical race theory and research on attachment, social rank and dehumanization to theorize the implications of addressing anti-Blackness in psychotherapy with both Black and non-Black clients in the context of White Supremacy. Drawing on and critiquing a recent review of attachment theory and race, the author draws on historical and empirical research outlining the contours of a racial capitalist world. Recontextualizing attachment theory through this critical race theory lens, it will be argued psychotherapy must address anti-Blackness with both Black and non-Black clients, redefining therapeutic action not only as the provision of repair of interpersonal ruptures, but also as the capacity to mentalize about socio-historical ruptures, allowing space to clarify and pursue one’s values despite an anti-Black, capitalist and White Supremacist world. This paper will provide case examples illustrating these principles with Black and non-Black clients and conclude with their clinical and political implications.