Through An/Other Lens:
Multicultural Perspectives
The CSPP Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Invites Members to a Consultation on
Race in the Clinical Relationship
Sunday 10 December 2017
1 to 3 pm
Fellowship Room, Spring Glen Church
1825 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517
Since 2016, politics have invaded the therapy space. Issues of race and ethnicity are front and center, and they demand our clinical understanding, sensitivity, and knowledge. Although we on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee are not “experts” we have been meeting together for several years and feel quite familiar with, and tolerant of, uncomfortable conversations, difficult cringe-worthy moments, and the defensiveness that can arise quickly when trying to talk frankly about race and ethnicity. These topics are some of the most difficult to discuss in American culture, and equally difficult in the consulting room.
We are initiating a series of mini-meetings structured around presentations of clinical cases in which race or ethnicity are evoking stuck moments, awkward encounters, defensiveness, self-doubt or uncertainty about how to proceed. Sometimes these stuck moments have actually ruptured or ended the therapy, and such situations often leave the therapist feeling guilty, angry, inept, or confused.
Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, a week after Anton Hart’s clinical CSPP conference. We hope to build on his talk as he addresses these issues eloquently.
For our first mini-meeting, a member of the DIC will present a case and other members of the DIC will offer consultation. A moderator will then open up discussion among all attendees. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe space for exploring these issues together . We know from our own experience that these conversations can become uncomfortable and challenging, as well as rewarding and enlightening.
In subsequent meetings we will invite CSPP members to present relevant cases of their own for consultation and discussion.
If you're a CSPP member and would like to attend,
please email us by December 4, 2017: Ellen Nasper
