In this training we will use the CARE BEGINS HERE oppression profile assessment tool and Bobbie Harro’s Cycle of Socialization to establish a shared understanding of oppression and social identity. Based on this understanding we will explore how oppression and internalized oppression are complicit in the distress clients experience in numerous forms, from anxiety and depression to family conflict, relationship issues, suicidal ideation, and behavior issues.

Participants will begin to explore clinical skills that can be used to assist clients in recognizing the internalized oppressive messages associated with their history and identity and to overcome the effects that oppression has on emotions, thinking, and behavior.

Particular emphasis will be placed on enhancing participants’ ability to apply this understanding in developing accurate clinical interventions as well as increasing their personal reflection and self-awareness which leads to greater responsiveness to cultural differences and varying individual needs.

Participants will be encouraged to apply the theoretical approach to their own self-as-therapist work. Addressing personal distress related to internalized oppression can be experienced as vulnerable and difficult as well as insightful and informative.