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

This presentation was originally presented as part of a live hybrid conference in March 2024.

Target Audience

Beginning/Introductory

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to:

  • 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: 
06/01/2025
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
Part of: 
Invisible Wounds: Intersectional Approaches to Trauma, Identity, and Dissociation Package
Rating: 
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HL Himes, PsyD
Dr. Lou Himes (PsyD) received their doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Biola University in 2008. Their training included work in college counseling and the Veterans Affairs Administration. During their doctoral internship year, Dr. Himes worked at the Michigan State University student counseling center, where they participated in a multi-cultural training program. called MECCA. MECCA provided Dr. Himes with the opportunity to explore their whiteness, issues of privilege and oppression, and how to integrate cultural competency into psychotherapy with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Following completion of their doctoral work, Dr. Himes completed a postdoctoral fellowship at State University of NY at Stony Brook, on Long Island, NY; went on to teach undergraduate behavioral sciences at the City University of New York; and returned to clinical work in 2012 at the Fordham University Student Health Counseling Center. In 2015, Dr. Himes entered full time private practice in Manhattan, NY and in 2016, founded QuIPP, The Queer Identities Psychology Partnership to meet the growing needs of the transgender community. Dr. Himes is a World Professional Association for Transgender Health--GEI Certified Gender Specialist. They now lead a talented team of diverse therapists at QuIPP who specialize in meeting the psychological needs of the queer and trans communities. Dr. Himes is a non-binary, ex-evangelical, and is married to a lesbian Episcopal priest. They live together with their chosen family (including two rescued dogs, Loki and Coco) in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. They are committed to learning and strive to be an ever-growing parent, partner, therapist, gardner, and neighbor.

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.
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