Ethical Considerations: Addressing & Preventing Microaggressions in Therapy Workshop 3 CE Contact Hours

Time & Location Sept 29, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM zoom

Register Here.

Register Here.

Workshop Summary:

Microaggressions are defined as indirect, subtle, or unintentional acts of discrimination against members of minoritized and marginalized groups. The impact of microaggressions can be more detrimental, in some cases, than more overt forms of racism and discrimination we are all familiar with.

Unfortunately, these more subtle microaggressions are an extremely common experience amongst minority individuals today; therefore, to practice ethically, it is essential that mental health clinicians obtain the knowledge, skills and ability to both help clients navigate such experiences and prevent further harm by avoiding inadvertent microaggressions in therapy practice.

“The American Psychological Association (2003) stresses the importance of being aware of oneself as a racial and cultural being, as well as being aware of the cultural worldviews of one’s clients” (Williams, Shamp & Harris, 2017).”  Unfortunately, those in the helping profession often engage in the reinforcement of stereotypes, discrimination and perpetration of microaggressions which tend to run contrary to these professional recommendations (Sue et al., 2007).

In this engaging and interactive live webinar, participants will take a deep dive into defining and exploring examples of microaggressions and the impact of microaggressions on individual well-being.  Through the use of video clips, discussion and reflective activities, participants will be encouraged to explore their own cultural worldview, engage in the practice of cultural humility, and learn strategies to mitigate the perpetration of microaggressions, toward assisting clients in healing from the daily experience of microaggressions.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify at least two examples of how microaggressions show up in the therapeutic relationship.

2. Evaluate and explain the impact microaggressions may have on the receiver of such attacks.

3. Explore and learn to apply strategies to practice cultural humility and mitigate harm in the therapeutic relationship.

4. Learn and practice strategies to work effectively and ethically with clients who have experienced microaggressions.

5. State at least two considerations from your profession’s ethics code that apply to preventing and addressing microaggressions in therapy.

About the Presenter:

Crystal Bennett, LMSW is an educator, an advocate, a survivor and a self-proclaimed thriver!  For the past 25 years she has been driven by her personal experiences of trauma to elevate and amplify the voices of individuals and communities in order to promote healing and opportunities to move from surviving to thriving.

Crystal has demonstrated a passion in sharing her experiences in order to help individuals heal from their personal traumas and work alongside professionals to create trauma informed, culturally inclusive and person-centered spaces.  Her experiences include advocacy within the child welfare system, oversight of child and youth programs, crisis hotline response, delivery of community based mental health services and implementing trauma informed strategies and programs for school districts.  She has been called upon to provide training, coaching and consultation across the nation in the subject areas of Human Trafficking, Suicide Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, Child Trauma & Maltreatment and Racial Trauma.  She is a fierce advocate for social justice and leads courageously to dismantle oppressive systems and create equitable and just services, policies and programs.

CE Credits: 3