The impact of mainstream, white supremacist values and heteropatriarchal ideologies on psychology remains relatively under-examined both clinically and theoretically. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy theory and practice, like the majority of contemporary psychotherapeutic methodologies, implicitly contains the values and bias of white culture. This webinar will introduce the impact of Western perspectives on psychotherapy, and brings awareness to the influence of culture, racism, and biases toward those we perceive to be unlike ourselves. We will also explore the impact of social locations on how we experience and interpret other people’s movements and postures, addressing the implications for somatic psychotherapists. Foundational attitudes and actions for the socioculturally-attuned sensorimotor psychotherapist will be outlined. We will examine our own implicit and explicit bias and microaggressions, and their impact in the psychotherapeutic process, as well as discuss common pitfalls that therapists might encounter when working with clients from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. Different therapeutic options and strategies will be considered that can support culturally sensitive interventions.
Objectives
Outline
The Impact of Western Psychotherapy Models
Implications of Research Bias
Reflections on Collaboration within our Diverse Group
Introduction to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy skills
Exploring body narratives with the client
An exploration of bias in psychotherapy
An in depth exploration of the working of implicit and explicit bias in psychotherapy
Microaggressions in therapy
Reflections on strategies for addressing implicit and explicit bias and microaggressions in psychotherapy
Common Pitfalls for Therapists Working with Diverse Sociocultural Populations
Approaches and Considerations in Providing Culturally Sensitive Treatment and Care
Application of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Skills in a Culturally Sensitive Context
Target Audience