Racially motivated hatred in America can be eradicated if explicitly recognized and condemned by all. In our roles as counselors and counselor educators, we hold power to influence the decision-making and actions of individuals, couples, groups, and families. These individuals then converse and interact with others. Dialogue is the first step to recognize and condemn racism and to assist historically marginalized populations. In the counseling profession, many excuse their decision not to act, citing their discomfort about broaching these topics or stating that they are unaffected by racial and social injustice. I am intentional about practicing authenticity, transparency, and accountability to support anti-racist practices. My competence in treating human pain and suffering impacts societal change.Authenticity is key. Authenticity is the ability to be aware of one’s feelings, not to present an outer façade. It involves being congruent in your expression of words and behaviors to genuinely express your feelings and attitudes (Rogers, 1956). Carl Rogers (1956) stated, “I have found this to be true even when the attitudes I feel do not please me, or do not seem conducive to a good relationship. It seems extremely important to be real” (p. 995). Most of my clients are Black. We talk about race-related stress, gender norms, expectations, and varying forms of discrimination quite often. If you are working with Black clients and these conversations do not come up, ask yourself, what am I doing wrong? When topics are controversial or sensitive, I ask clients, “Do you want me to be real? Or do you want fluff?” Many will choose the candid response. I have found that my clients appreciate my authenticity and, as a result, attribute more value to the therapeutic process.At your practice, a Black female client displays depressive symptoms. She expresses concern about her need to take on excessive amounts of responsibility, her time spent caring for others, and a lack of focus on her self-care. She struggles to prioritize her wants and needs. She asks you, as a counselor, to diagnose her main issue. As a therapist who practices within the theoretical orientations of Black feminism and intersectionality, I mention Black women’s cultural, gendered racial norms. I describe the conceptualization of the strong Black woman schema. The client now considers societal factors that influence her thinking and behavior. I then empower the client to reframe thinking and actions to promote wellness.A counselor’s lack of awareness about cultural differences and societal influences and failure to apply appropriate interventions are detrimental. Are you practicing within your scope? Differences in counselor factors (e.g., counseling technique, skill, cultural comfort, personal biases) are associated with treatment outcomes, rates of unilateral termination, the strength of the therapeutic alliance, and overall client satisfaction rates (Davis et al., 2016; Hook et al., 2016; Katz & Hoyt, 2014; Owen et al., 2017). These factors contribute to varying levels of effectiveness among counselors. Clients, especially clients from historically marginalized and underserved populations, have a right to receive treatment by a counselor who can provide the best possible care.I have an implicit bias, an inherent mistrust of white people. As a counselor, I work with diverse clients. How do I manage this? I recognize my limitations. I check in with clients regularly to gain feedback on services, treatment, and overall satisfaction. Outside clinical supervision is an option for additional support. The client and I discuss referral if services are unhelpful and there is a lack of progress. I also do not deny services to white clients. Growth does not occur in seclusion or with avoidance of the problem. My knowledge of cultural competence and cultural humility was not enough to get to the root of my prejudice. Ongoing exposure, interactions, and dialogue with this population have started to shift my core beliefs.The pandemic and recent societal unrest galvanized me to action. I searched for research opportunities about multicultural topics and looked to join committees fighting social injustice for Black and brown people. After doing all these things, I reflected on my actions. External factors do not prove my value to the cause. Transformation starts within first and foremost. My rejection of gendered, racialized norms, of the status quo, and of hateful rhetoric is activism. I help members of Black and brown communities to love themselves when the outside world does not. I initiate frequent conversations to increase awareness and education about the injustices faced by People of Color and sexual minorities. My voice and determination are powerful tools to fight social injustice within a chaotic, uncertain, and frightening world.
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Jul 28, 2021
Tasha Prosper + 2
Open Access