Webinar: Whiteness in Therapy

*Free for Community of Practice members*

[if you are a community member please use your code to book your free ticket]

An introductory session to understand how whiteness shows up in the mental health field and possible avenues for resistance.

It is now well known that racism and oppressive dynamics are pervasive in the mental health field. Examining the root causes of this harm requires us to turn our gaze towards whiteness and its inner workings as the underlying culture that shapes our relational practices. From a decolonial and anti-oppressive perspective, we will explore how white ways of being and relating can create barriers to good and safe enough practice, as well as avenues to start unlearning and dismantling them.

This is an introductory webinar that aims to present complex reflections on this topic paired with research examples in a clear and concise way. We will cover:

• What whiteness is and how it can show up in therapeutic relationships
• How it impacts on the work and on both practitioners and clients
• Some avenues to start unlearning it and mitigate harm

This is an introductory webinar that will be followed by a more in-depth workshop for those interested in reflecting on this topic. It will last 1 hour, including a 45 min presentation and space for questions or reflections.

This webinar is aimed at mental health professionals and everyone interested in the links between whiteness, coloniality, and mental health.

(This live event will be recorded. The fee includes access to the recording for 2 weeks after the event, and a handout with references that will be shared via email after the presentation.)

About the facilitator/speaker:

Lucia Sarmiento Verano is a humanistic psychotherapist in private practice online. With a background in Sociology and Political Science, she has worked as an anti-racism trainer and consultant with mental health organisations. She has experience delivering training and facilitating reflective discussions around topics of anti-racism and decolonial thinking in mental health. Lucia is now undertaking research on the topics of coloniality and resistance as a Ph.D. student at the Birkbeck University of London.

What people have said about Lucia’s training events:

” I found it very interesting as well as thought provoking, It feels like Lucia put a lot of thought and consideration in her work. I did not feel ailenated in this workshop which has been my experience in some workshops/presentation. “

” I would highly recommend. Lucia’s presentation was paced perfectly, she was easy to listen to and understand and therefore I felt engaged and learnt some new things without feeling overwhelmed.” (Julie)

” Useful intro to a topic/way of thinking. Approachable and concise.” (EB)

” A well thought out, engaging event from someone with clear knowledge and sensitivity.”