This fall, we were pleased to be able to offer the workshop “Do No Harm: Utilizing an Anti-Racist Lens as a Psychotherapist” with Richla Davis. The two part workshop addressed many aspects of the ways in which white supremacy and racism show up in the therapy space.
Though I am not a therapist myself, I benefited from attending Richla’s workshop as CCIH’s Office Manager. One subject Richla addressed in the workshop is that Black clients are most likely not going to bring up every microaggression that they experience in therapy sessions. Hence, the therapist should understand microaggressions and assume they are a frequent part of their Black clients’ lived experience.
Personally, I felt like I got good insight into microaggressions (and how to interrupt them when they are happening) by reading “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism” by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar.
Some may recognize Amber as a comedy writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers. She wrote this book with her sister, recounting some of their many encounters with racism throughout their lives. The book is short and funny, but also frank and revealing about the impact of living and working in a deeply racist country. It would make a great holiday break read or listen-- I listened to the audiobook and it was very engaging.
At CCIH, we’re looking forward to continuing to welcome Richla for additional consulting and partnership. As she emphasizes in her training, the work of anti-racism is a lifelong one. This short book helped me take another small step in my personal journey, and I hope some of you might enjoy it too.
