Being an anti-racist clinician

Abstract

Racism is a pervasive problem in Western society, leading to mental and physical unwellness in people from racialized groups. Psychology began as a racist discipline and still is. As such, most clinical training and curricula do not operate from an anti-racist framework. Although most therapists have seen clients with stress and trauma due to racialization, very few were taught how to assess or treat it. Furthermore, clinicians and researchers can cause harm when they rely on White-dominant cultural norms that do not serve people of colour well. This paper discusses how clinicians can recognize and embrace an anti-racism approach in practice, research, and life in general. Included is a discussion of recent research on racial microaggressions, the difference between being a racial justice ally and racial justice saviour, and new research on what racial allyship entails. Ultimately, the anti-racist clinician will achieve a level of competency that promotes safety and prevents harm coming to those they desire to help, and they will be an active force in bringing change to those systems that propagate emotional harm in the form of racism. Key learning aims (1) Knowledge of how racism manifests in therapy, psychology and society. (2) Understanding the difference between racial justice allyship versus saviourship. (3) Increased awareness of microaggressions in therapy. (4) Appreciation of the importance of combatting systemic racism.

A mixed-methods evaluation of unconscious racial bias training for NHS senior practitioners to improve the experiences of racially minoritised students

“… 27 Individuals, institutions and organisations must take an antiracist approach, demonstrating that they are actively combatting systemic inequalities and structural injustice. 60 The NHS has outlined their commitment to addressing racial inequalities through the WRES report, 14 NHS People Plan, 15 and Race and Health Observatory. 16 17 However, we argue that it is important that the degree awarding gap is also addressed within these strategies to ensure that racially minoritised students receive equitable education and placement experiences.…”

“…Furthermore, open and honest conversations about racism are essential outside of URBT to ensure indefinite, positive change 27. Individuals, institutions and organisations must take an antiracist approach, demonstrating that they are actively combatting systemic inequalities and structural injustice 60. The NHS has outlined their commitment to addressing racial inequalities through the WRES report,14 NHS People Plan,15 and Race and Health Observatory 16 17.…”

A clinical scale for the assessment of racial trauma.

“…A structured, culturally sensitive tool, such as the RTS, that focuses specifically on difficulties in the lived experiences of clients of color due to their race may help to fill such gaps in therapy. The questions presented on the RTS are inherently validating of experiences of discrimination, and so making use of it may foster trust in the therapeutic relationship, leading to improved outcomes due to the greater cultural sensitivity of the therapeutic setting (Williams et al, 2022).…”

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Unconscious Racial Bias Training for NHS Senior Practitioners to Improve the Experiences of Racially Minoritised Students

“…27 Individuals, institutions and organisations must take an antiracist approach, demonstrating that they are actively combatting systemic inequalities and structural injustice. 60 The NHS has outlined their commitment to addressing racial inequalities through the WRES report, 14 NHS People Plan, 15 and Race and Health Observatory. 16 17 However, we argue that it is important that the degree awarding gap is also addressed within these strategies to ensure that racially minoritised students receive equitable education and placement experiences.…”