Coalition launches toolkit for psychological therapies training to broaden diversity in the sector
A toolkit for psychological therapies training is being launched by the Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice, to help the UK counselling and psychotherapy sectors better understand and address race and diversity.
Authored by two integrative counsellors and psychotherapists, and founders of Routes Therapeutic Consultancy, ‘Race is complicated’ draws on tried and tested theories and practices to offer up-to-date guidance, rooted in the modern world. Following consultation with training providers, tutors and programme leaders, the guide aims to support three key areas of course provision: individual tutors, training programmes and institutions (senior leadership).
Danielle Osajivbe-Williams, co-author of the toolkit, said: “The toolkit will help institutions and professionals free themselves from any expectations on this topic. The vision is to safeguard anti-oppressive practice. We relate, inform, educate and challenge the status quo by improving working cultures.”
The toolkit is an important step in increasing diversity in the counselling, psychotherapy and psychology professions by challenging the whole sector to be more inclusive. The interactive PDF has practical tools and approaches to use in the right settings. From how to set up anti-racism working groups and staff support groups, to addressing language, to encouraging trainees to explore their own conceptions. It will be promoted throughout organisations involved in the delivery of courses in psychological therapies, all the way through to organisations providing the course accreditations and membership bodies.
Marcelline Menyié, co-author of the toolkit, said: “Let’s challenge ourselves – what do race and diversity mean to us? Why does it make us uncomfortable? How can we address it in counselling and psychotherapy? We are inviting you to explore introspectively, reflect and contribute towards change.”
The Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice is a group of organisations with a shared mission to improve diversity within the counselling, psychotherapy and psychological therapy professions. Its current members are: Place2Be, Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC), Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN), National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility (PCSR) and UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Together, they serve to improve the mental health of millions of people in the UK.
Dr Niki Cooper, Chair of the Coalition and Clinical Director at Place2Be, said:“The coalition’s focus is to promote inclusive and anti-oppressive professional training, as part of a greater vision to address further barriers to inclusive practice. The toolkit will support this through the development of skills, knowledge and understanding for delivering inclusive counselling and psychotherapy training. We are excited to start seeing it in action and believe this is a significant step towards promoting better practices and broadening the diversity of the professions at every stage from students, all the way to service providers and qualified professionals. On behalf of the coalition, I invite all individuals who are involved in the training of the next generation of counsellors and psychotherapists to use this guide and shake up the status quo.”
Join the FREE online launch event on Thursday 19 October 2023 at 4-5pm. MC Myira Khan, founder of the Muslim Counselling and Psychotherapist Network, and authors Marcelline Menyié and Danielle Osajivbe-Williams from Routes Therapeutic Consultancy will talk about how to use the toolkit, how it came to be and the impact of the toolkit on the future of psychological therapies. The webinar includes a Q&A where you’ll get the chance to ask any questions you may have about the toolkit.
Register on the Place2Be website here. The toolkit is available to download here.
For more information, please contact us at office@acc-uk.org.