Social Justice
Delve into the critical issues of social justice within psychotherapy. This section focuses on addressing disparities, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality mental health care.
62 articles found
Providing Culturally-Relevant Psychotherapy to Arab American Women
Arab Americans are not officially recognized by the United States government as a minority group, which has resulted in not only a failure to accurately document increasing occurrences of discrimination (Awad, 2010), but also in a lack of knowledge about this ethnic group. The juxtaposition of mounting negative media visibility with a general lack of […]
Laila Abdel-Salam, Ed.M., M.A.
October 27, 2019
The Momentum in Mourning
School shootings seem as American as apple pie. The post-Columbine generation has been preparing to dodge bullets in school since they were learning to tie their shoes. They are fittingly dubbed “generation lockdown.” On Valentine’s Day 2018, such drills became a reality for students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. An active […]
Bre-Ann Slay, M.A., L.P.C + 3 more
October 13, 2019
6 Recommendations to Reduce Weight Stigma and Discrimination in Eating Disorder Treatment
Weight stigma, or unfavorable attitudes and beliefs about people of a higher body-weight, is ubiquitous in society, as well as mental health settings (Puhl & Heuer, 2009). Stigma associated with high body-weight shares many similarities with stigma related to disordered eating behaviors, such as the perception that both are indicative of a flawed disposition or […]
Laurie A. S. Veillette, M.Sc. + 1 more
July 7, 2019
Resilient Sexualities
At a time where issues of consent are being publicly discussed in the media and pop culture, supporting youths’ sexual health and well-being should be a priority. Yet, the primary means Americans use to educate youth about sexual health relies on fear-based tactics that highlight potential negative outcomes rather than health. In this article, we […]
Nicole Fava, Ph.D. + 1 more
May 12, 2019
Strong Through Every Mile
Running has been a fervent hobby of mine for over a decade. It is a pastime which I paradoxically find relaxing, as well as a sport through which I test and challenge myself. Running has provided me many benefits over the years, including improved physical health, social connections, and self-confidence. I am a strong believer […]
Brittany King, M.A
April 15, 2019
Thrills, Chills, and Social Justice in Forensic Psychology
As I’ve reflected on the question of what made me choose forensic psychology as a profession, I realize that the answer may be a surprising one: heavy metal music and horror movies. The 1980s were a great time to be in high school and college. For an adolescent male with grief and loss (and subsequent […]
W. Neil Gowensmith, Ph.D.
December 12, 2018
Conversations and Turning Points in the Life of a Major Policy Change in Colorado
Background In the spring of 2016, a highly debated Colorado bill came across the desk of Governor Hickenlooper, forcing him to make a tough decision. The piece of legislation, Senate Bill 16-269 (SB16-269), set out to solve a specific regulatory concern for hospitals regarding their ability to accept individuals brought to their door on an […]
Ravid Moses Gur, M.A.
October 20, 2018
Disclosure and Concealment Among Court Involved Adolescents
From Freud to present, clinicians and researchers have consistently viewed honest disclosure as an essential component of a patient’s therapeutic process (Baumann & Hill, 2016; Farber, 2003). However, despite practitioners’ best efforts to emphasize the importance of honest dialogue, client concealment has been found to be a common occurrence (Baumann & Hill, 2016; Farber, 2003; […]
Daniel R. Samost, MA..
October 17, 2018
Statement of APA President Regarding Why Women May Not Report Sexual Assault
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/09/report-sexual-assault.aspx September 24, 2018 Statement of APA President Regarding the Science Behind Why Women May Not Report Sexual Assault: Traumatic memories stored differently in the brain, according to psychological research WASHINGTON — Following is a statement by Jessica Henderson Daniel, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, regarding what the scientific research says about the reporting […]
Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
September 25, 2018
Board of Directors Statement on Diversity
The Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy values and honors diversity (as defined in the APA ethics code) in its Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, committees, as well as in its membership. We work to create and maintain an inclusive environment that welcomes the perspectives and voices of all participants. We recognize the contributions of […]
Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
September 19, 2018
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Assist Individuals Facing Oppression
Many individuals in the U.S. experience oppression on the basis of their racial and/or ethnic identity, immigration status, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religious identity, language, etc. (Benner & Wang, 2014; Corbett & Hill, 2012; Maira, 2004; Unks, 1995; M. S. Williams, 2000). Further, many individuals hold multiple marginalized identities that […]
Sannisha Dale, Ph.D., Ed.M. + 1 more
September 2, 2018
“Rockin’ Pneumonia”
Advancing Practice Together Just prior to the last winter blast striking our nation’s Capital, I was very fortunate to be able to attend the 35th annual APAPO Practice Leadership conference, along with former APA Presidents James Bray and Carol Goodheart. These gatherings are always the highlight of my professional year and it was especially exciting […]
Pat DeLeon, Ph.D.
August 18, 2018