In a previous blog I talk about blindspots being comparable to having broccoli in your teeth. Everyone but you can see the broccoli in your teeth. The broccoli can be thought of as our off-putting behaviors, the things we do that rub people the wrong way, without our realizing it. Like the broccoli, everyone else but us realizes that the behavior is unattractive. In cases with actual broccoli or off-putting behaviors, there’s a decision to be made. Do I point out “the broccoli” or say nothing at all?

How do we tackle the difficult societal topics of racism, sexism, and other forms of bias, stereotyping, discrimination and oppression when working with our clients in therapy? 

We embrace these issues just as we embrace our clients - with the clinical skills we’ve been taught and the inherent attributes we have as mental and behavioral health professionals. Take a moment to think about what those skills and attributes are. Whatever these mean to you, a key denominator for mutual respect and authenticity in a therapeutic relationship is an understanding that no topic is taboo.