Race in the Room: How Race and Cultural Differences Can Open or Close Doors in Therapy

Abstract:
As a white therapist, confronting race with Black/Indigenous/People of Color (BIPOC) can lead to many challenges: including creating unseen blocks in the treatment of complex trauma. This presentation will offer a space for therapists to explore how racial dynamics may (or may not) enter the treatment room. Though exploration of racial differences may be vital to the treatment of BIPOC individuals, waiting for a BIPOC client to bring up the topic may not be "good enough" and may cause significant delays in treatment.

In this workshop, participants will engage with both a white and black therapists in an exploration dynamics inherent when white therapists are working with clients of color. Utilizing psychodynamic, feminist, and multicultural counseling theories, this workshop will utilize case studies, audience participation, and clinical and lived experience to explore ways in which white therapists can identify and address racially-based dynamics in same and mixed-race therapeutic dyads. The facilitator will provide space for exploration of countertransference issues related to being white and talking about race with BIPOC clients and help participants think through appropriate ways to initiate often uncomfortable dialogue around race. Case studies will be utilized to demonstrate ways in which cross-race dynamics may be impacting therapeutic processing: including what clients are not willing to say to a white therapist who does not first initiate a conversation around race.

This workshop will be interactive and is intended for white therapists who are just beginning to join the conversation about racial disparities and those who have a long history of working with racial differences in treatment. The goal of this workshop is to open space for dialogue around whiteness and the impact discomfort may have on clients whom we genuinely desire to care for, but may be limited in helping due to countertransferential fear.

Potential for distress in this workshop rests in the possibility of confrontation of participants' own biases and discussion of white privilege.

This recorded conference session was originally presented as part of a live conference in April 2024.

Target Audience

Those seeking to participate in this webinar must be licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, accredited psychotherapists, etc.). ISSTD staff will audit license information prior to the start of the course and may request additional documentation for your license.

We do accept students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. Students must submit proof of student status such as a transcript or registration record. For those who have completed their degree and are currently in the pre-licensure stage practicing under the license of another clinician, you must provide the name and license information for the person you are working with. Documentation should be sent to ISSTD staff at [email protected] before registering. 

This webinar content is at the beginning/introductory level.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Identify countertransference responses to addressing issues of race and privilege with clients
  • Discuss white privilege and racial disparities
  • Prepare for conversations regarding client experiences of racial experience with clients
  • Identify racial microaggressions
  • Define white privilege

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
01/31/2025
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
ISSTD Member cost:
$35.00
Your Price:
$55.00
Part of: 
The Healing Power of Dignity in the Treatment and Research of Complex Trauma & Dissociation - Day Two
Rating: 
0

HL Himes, PsyD 

Dr. HL "Lou" Himes is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York State. They identify as non-binary and use they/them/theirs pronouns. Dr. Himes was trained within a psychodynamic framework and utilizes this depth-oriented approach alongside a trauma-informed model to provide a holding and non-pathologizing "container" for their clients to heal. Since graduating with a PsyD in 2008 and receiving NYS licensure in 2010, Lou has found a clinical home working within the transgender community in New York City and, now, Central New York. In 2019, was among the first cohort of providers to receive certification as a WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) specialist in mental health. This certification allows them to provide mentorship and supervision to other mental health professionals seeking certification as transgender-competent providers through WPATH. Their group practice, QuIPP or The Queer Identities Psychology Partnership, focuses on healing and support for transgender individuals seeking more authentic self-expression, surgical intervention, and healing from complex trauma and dissociative disorders. Dr. Himes was raised and clinically trained within fundamentalist evangelicalism and has a long history of academic and clinical experience studying the effects of, and working clinically with, LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experience in Christian religious traditions. This life experience has informed Dr. Himes' work with all of their patients, as they strive to see, and help their clients see, the ways a beautifully complex mind has been dulled and diminished by darkness that stood between them and the light that will help them grow into full and flourishing whole-self-ness.

Alexándrea Evans Oneal, PsyD

Dr. Alexándrea Evans Oneal is a dedicated mental health professional who is passionate about driving positive change and providing impactful support to individuals and communities. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing emotional well-being and nurturing resilience, her journey in psychology is rooted in profound empathy and an unyielding desire for meaningful transformations. With a Doctorate of Psychology from Alliant International University - SF Bay Area, Dr. Alexándrea’s foundation includes a deep understanding of human behavior, psychological theories, and therapeutic interventions. Specialized certifications in Trauma Care, Palliative Care, and Crisis Interventions further strengthen her expertise, allowing her to effectively address diverse mental health concerns. Dr. Alexándrea has valuable experience working with marginalized communities, recognizing the unique challenges faced by underserved populations. She is deeply dedicated to understanding and honoring individual experiences, fostering trust and collaboration. Among her strengths is trauma-informed care, guiding clients through healing and emotional processing. Her expertise extends to coaching organizations working with clients facing significant trauma, helping professionals manage vicarious trauma and emotional demands, benefiting all parties. Empowerment is central to Dr. Alexándrea's therapeutic philosophy, equipping individuals with tools to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. An advocate for resilience-building, she empowers clients to cultivate self-efficacy and navigate life transitions. Beyond clinical work, Dr. Alexándrea engages as a speaker and advocate in community workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health issues and create spaces where individuals feel empowered to seek assistance. With a genuine aspiration for positive change, Dr. Alexándrea focuses on empowerment, empathy, and collaboration. She supports individuals, families, and communities on their journey toward mental well-being and personal growth. With expertise spanning foster, kinship, and adoptive family systems, family dynamics, life transitions, stress, trauma, grief, and loss, Dr. Alexándrea is primed to make a meaningful impact in the lives she engages with.

Available Credit

  • 1.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.

Price

ISSTD Member cost:
$35.00
Your Price:
$55.00
Please login or register to take this course.

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level. 

  • ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
  • ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
  • If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at [email protected] to receive the appropriate discount code.

Registration Policies

All purchases of recorded content are final.

For additional webinar policies including completion requirements, filing grievances, requesting a disability accommodation, and awarding of certificates of credits, please visit our Policies page.