Exploring Your Racial and Cultural Identity in Therapy

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

— Maya Angelou

The global pandemic has been a painful, confusing time for many.

The cultural climate over the last few months has shone light on the ways in which the pandemic is disproportionately impacting racialized communities. This, and the senseless deaths of, not just one, but several, Black and Indigenous American and Canadian citizens, during this time has given rise to a global outcry and momentous demonstrations from people of color and their allies.

As a result, both industry, society and individuals have taken note of the systemic racism and privilege that has pervaded many of our existing systems and therefore, our experiences, and have been called to re-examine their practices to hopefully better support people of colour.

Research, along with the testimonies of people all over the world, has demonstrated the significant impact that systemic oppression can have on one’s life. This includes contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, wounded self-confidence or self-esteem, stress and uncertainty of identity.

In other words, sometimes the challenges we are facing have deeper context. Delving into these experiences can serve as a valuable source of information about what we are going through and provide us with a more holistic understanding.

While exploring these parts of ourselves in therapy can bring forth painful memories and emotions, it is important to recognize that there is also great opportunity for healing, shaping one’s identity, and celebrating the beauty of our racial and cultural identities. These experiences can exist at the same time and provide us with a richer understanding of our own unique journey in this world. 

Sometimes experiences of discrimination or oppression are easy to spot, while others may feel more ambiguous. In my own practice, some clients have noted that the exploration of their racial and cultural identity and the meaning they have derived from it, has provided clarity and grounding in their everyday lives. If this is an area of your experience that you would like to explore, it is helpful to remember that you can do so at your own pace and take as much time as needed to tend to the array of emotions that may come up. 

While life will undoubtedly continue to present hardships, therapy can be a safe space to discover and find healing as it relates to your racial and cultural identity. Therapy can serve as a space to cultivate a deeper fortitude to resist, address and stand up to the pressures of oppression as well as experience the joys in life with wisdom, conviction and a sense of grounding.

Written by Teresa Smith, MSC, RP (QUALIFYING)

References:

American Psychological Association. (2014). Health disparities and mental/behavioral health. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/workforce/disparity.aspx

Carter, R. T. (2007). Racism and Psychological and Emotional Injury: Recognizing and Assessing Race-Based Traumatic Stress. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(1), 13-105.

Hardy, K. V. (2013). Healing the hidden wounds of racial trauma. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 22(1), 24.

McGoldrick, M., & Hardy, K. V. (Eds.). (2008). Re-visioning family therapy: Race, culture, and gender in clinical practice. Guilford Press.