April 9, 2021
2pm-5pm EST
CE Hours: 3 (NBCC Approval No. SP-3597)
Register at: https://addressing-race-and-racism-in-therapy.eventbrite.com
Research shows that African Americans experience higher levels of psychological distress due to racism and race-based trauma. Unfortunately, many therapists are challenged in their ability to address the psychological effects of racism in their daily clinical decision-making. This means that the effects of racism often go unacknowledged in therapy, and many Black clients leave therapy feeling unaffirmed, invalidated, or worse, subjected to various forms of racism and microaggressions within the therapeutic relationship itself.
This webinar provides participants with theoretically-based strategies to broach, conceptualize, and address race and racism with Black clients. Culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is explored as a means to enhance counseling relationships and aid clinical decision-making with this population, as Drs. Steele and Newton discuss the psychological impacts of racism within the Black community and describe culturally-sensitive best practices. Constructs are illustrated through a case example highlighting the use of CBT in treatment planning and intervention for a Black American woman dealing with the psychological trauma of racism.
Participants of this webinar will learn to:
Broach race and racism in therapy with Black clients and build culturally responsive therapeutic relationships
Conceptualize the role of race and racism in mental health challenges experienced by Black clients
Develop theoretically-based, culturally sensitive treatment plans for Black clients
Define key terms relevant to the psychology of race and racism
Dr. Janeé Steele is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Dr. Steele is also the co-owner and clinical director of Kalamazoo Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, PLLC, where she provides therapy, supervision, and training in CBT. Her scholarly activity includes peer-reviewed articles focused in the areas of CBT, social justice advocacy, and counselor training. Her most recent article, published in the May 2020 issue of the International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling and Development, describes cognitive conceptualization and treatment planning using CBT and a proposed cognitive model of internalized racism.
Dr. Charmeka Newton is a fully licensed psychologist and in full time practice at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. She has over 10 years of experience in clinical, academic, and community settings, including teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels of higher education. Her areas of expertise include multicultural counseling, research methods, tests and measurement, career counseling, and clinical supervision of master’s-level counseling practitioners and students. In addition to her clinical and teaching expertise, Dr. Newton is also a member of the Michigan Board of Psychology, appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is a sought after psychology expert featured in prominent magazines and newscasts, recently featured on the June 2020 broadcast of West Michigan Woman, where she discussed how to have difficult conversations with your family about race.