Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice

Decolonizing Therapy emphasizes the political nature of all therapy and the need to understand the root of disembodiment from history, homeland, and healing practices to address mental health oppression and institutional violence. It is an emotional companion and guide to decolonization, inviting Euro-centrically trained clinicians to acknowledge privileged and oppressed parts and relearn what they thought they knew. Ignoring collective global trauma, interrogating privilege, and understanding how professionals may be participating in oppression is irresponsible.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Decolonizing Therapy is a groundbreaking work that centers colonial and historical trauma within a framework for healing. It illuminates that all therapy, inherently political, has the power to address mental health oppression and institutional violence that persists today. To fully comprehend the complexities of mental health issues and the ongoing effects of disembodiment from our histories, homelands, and healing practices, it is crucial to delve into the root causes. Only then can readers truly grasp the enduring impact of colonial, historical, and intergenerational legacies in the treatment of mental health.

This book serves as an emotional companion and guide to the process of decolonization. It urges Euro-centrically trained clinicians to confront their own biases and privileges, challenging their assumptions and re-learning what they thought they knew. Ignoring collective global trauma hinders the effectiveness of therapy, while a lack of knowledge in interrogating privilege and understanding how professionals may contribute to oppression becomes an obstacle to healing. Therefore, it is essential to embrace these critical aspects of decolonizing therapy to ensure responsible and impactful practice.

Decolonizing Therapy offers a transformative approach to healing by acknowledging the historical and systemic factors that have contributed to mental health disparities. It encourages therapists to recognize the impact of colonization on individuals and communities, and to work towards dismantling oppressive systems and practices. By integrating cultural humility, anti-racism, and social justice principles into therapy, practitioners can create safe spaces for clients to explore their experiences and heal from the trauma inflicted by colonialism.

Moreover, Decolonizing Therapy emphasizes the importance of community-based healing and the role of collective action in addressing the legacy of trauma. It recognizes that healing cannot be achieved solely through individual therapy but requires the support and collaboration of communities. By working together, individuals and communities can create a more just and equitable society that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all its members.

In conclusion, Decolonizing Therapy is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the political nature of therapy and the ongoing impact of colonial and historical trauma on mental health. By acknowledging the root causes of disembodiment, interrogating privilege, and understanding the role of collective action, therapists can provide effective and compassionate care to clients. This book serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, activists, and anyone interested in promoting healing and social justice.

Weight: 776g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324019169