Jason D. Brown - Reflective Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy in a Diverse Society

This book is for anyone practicing psychotherapy or counseling. It is my hope that over time and accumulation of experience that the topics remain relevant and the questions, worth considering again at different points in ones career.

The humanity of our work is vital to its practice. In this way, reflective practice can serve as a helpful guide to self-monitoring and improvement. The topics herein place particular importance on the potential for our work to be therapeutic in ways that are also emancipatory, inclusive, and equitable. Social location and identity are fundamental topics to consider for working in a diverse society and across differences. The success of efforts that directly and indirectly challenge privilege are essential to improve access to opportunities that enhance mental health and address illness for all who experience social disadvantage. One way to move this idea forward is to locate oneself in the systemic oppression associated with identities and locations that we are each a part of.

My own journey with this started as a student in social work and the realization of the privilege I hold as a White European settler, who is cisgender, heterosexual, and without a visible disability. While those privileges did not prevent me from experiencing my own mental health challenges, they did provide me with opportunities and expectations that many others did not have. They also did, when I realized the extent of their influence, produce a large dose of guilt and shame which took several years for me to understand. I have come to realize that efforts to promote social change need to start with an understanding of history and my peoples place within it, followed by personal acknowledgment and commitment followed by concrete action.

The chapters can be read in any sequence. Each can also stand on its own. Each is meant to be concise and offer questions for consideration. It is my belief that reflective practice is a personal journey. However, readers might find some questions useful for group discussion. The activity in Chapter is the only group activity in the book and could be used at any point.

I would be pleased to hear your comments and feedback.

Sincerely