Racial injustice
You receive a call for a new client at your private practice. She reports being stressed and anxious over the past several months and identifies as a person of color. Upon meeting her in your first session, she disclosed she has been struggling with the racial injustices that are happening. You validate her experience and remark on police reform. Your client becomes visibly uncomfortable and tells you that she is also married to a law enforcement officer. What do you do? How do you hold both of her experiences in your counseling relationship? Do you continue treating her?
Sample Solution
As a therapist, navigating this situation requires empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to holding diverse perspectives. Here's how you can approach it:
Acknowledge and Validate:
- Start by acknowledging her discomfort and validating her feelings: "I understand that mentioning police reform made you uncomfortable. It's important to me to create a safe space where you feel heard and understood. Would you be willing to share how my comment impacted you?"
- Validate both sides of her experience:Â Acknowledge the stress and anxiety stemming from racial injustices while also recognizing the potential challenges she faces as the spouse of a law enforcement officer.
Seek Understanding:
- Ask open-ended questions to understand her perspective: "It seems like navigating these two realities might be difficult. Would you be willing to share more about your experience as the spouse of a law enforcement officer, particularly as it relates to the current social climate?"
- Avoid assumptions and judgments: Listen actively without making assumptions about her views or experiences. Focus on understanding her unique perspective.
Maintain Neutrality and Confidentiality:
- Assure her that you maintain a neutral stance on both issues: "My role is to be a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and experiences without judgment. I am not here to advocate for any particular position."
- Reiterate confidentiality:Â Remind her that your conversations are confidential and you will not share any information without her consent.
Discuss Treatment Options:
- Explore if she feels comfortable continuing with you given the situation: "Based on our discussion, do you feel comfortable continuing therapy with me knowing these aspects of your identity and experiences?"
- Offer alternative options if needed: If she feels uncomfortable, discuss the possibility of finding another therapist who might be a better fit based on her specific needs and concerns.
Full Answer Section
Additional Considerations:
- Be aware of your own biases and limitations: As a therapist, it's crucial to be self-aware of any potential biases you might hold regarding race, law enforcement, or related issues. Seek professional development and supervision to address these areas.
- Consult with colleagues or supervisors if needed: If you feel unsure about how to proceed, consult with other therapists or supervisors to gain additional insights and support.
- Prioritize her well-being: Ultimately, your primary focus should be on creating a safe and supportive environment for your client to explore her experiences and work towards her therapeutic goals.
Remember, this situation requires a delicate balance between acknowledging both sides of her experience while maintaining neutrality and confidentiality. By prioritizing her well-being and open communication, you can create a safe space for her to explore her complex emotions and navigate this challenging time.