My latest work focuses on the contribution that counselling, psychology, and psychotherapy theory and practice can contribute to progressive social change. Counselling values—like compassion, empathy, and acceptance—are powerfully aligned with a progressive valuing of otherness; and psychological practices like nonviolent communication and social and emotional literacy training can help to develop a more caring and understanding world. There are also striking parallels between the work of therapists to help support marginalised voices in the self, and the work of social justice advocates who fight for the rights of marginalised social communities. The psychological and the political worlds, therefore, have much to learn from each other.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Map the ways in which therapeutic practice, training, supervision, and provision can incorporate social justice values

  • Comprehend the differences between liberal and radical applications of social justice values to therapy

  • Critically consider social justice informed practices: broaching, bridging, advocacy, indigenous healing practices, and challenging clients’ prejudices

  • Recognise therapy-informed analyses of social injustices, and the ways in which therapy and therapy-informed practices may contribute to a more socially just world

Schedule

  • Session 1: Social justice contributions to therapeutic practices I

  • Session 2: Social justice contributions to therapeutic practices II

  • Session 3: Therapeutic contributions to social justice theory and practice

  • Session 4: Parallels between therapeutic and social justice perspectives

Format

This workshop is typically delivered as a one day event.

The workshop combines self-development exercises, theoretical input, practical exercises, and small and large group discussion.

The workshop is appropriate for training and practising counsellors, psychotherapists, counselling psychologists and other mental health professionals.

A lecture (1-2 hours) can also be delivered on the contribution of therapy to social justice perspectives (and/or vice versa).  

Resources

My latest book argues that psychological theory and practice has the potential to make a major contribution to progressive social theory and action.

By Tamsin Cavaliero