Race in Psychotherapy: The problem with saying "I don't see colour"

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“I don’t see colour” .

A phrase often used by white people and even non-black people as a way to bring people together, and perhaps diffuse racial tension. Some people may feel that by saying “I don’t see colour” they are promoting equality and that they see you for who you are as a person rather and minus the colour of your skin.

Well, this is problematic. Let me tell you why.

By saying “I don’t see colour”, you are basically saying that you do not see the difficulties that a black person faces in their everyday life. From micro/macro aggression’s to blatant racist slurs. The phrase often feels like a way to sweep the topic of race and racism underneath a rug, which in the end does not bring awareness to oppression, privilege and power. The social construct of race was created as a classification to give white people power and legitimise the dominance of white people over non-white people. During the 19th century, the concept of ‘Social Darwinism’ was introduced, and whilst the theory itself was not racist, social scientists and philosophers used Darwin’s theory in a pseudo-scientific way to justify racism and genocide.

The impact of race, culture and ethnicity in Psychotherapy

It’s important to acknowledge racial differences, culture and ethnicity, particularly in the field of psychotherapy. A study by Meyer & Zane (2013), found that “Ethnic minority clients generally felt that issues regarding race and ethnicity were more important than did White clients. When these elements were not considered important but were not included in their care, clients felt less satisfied with their treatment”. Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Psychologists and Psychiatrists, should take issues such as race and discrimination into account because its a part of a black client experiences. It is significant to think about how these experiences may affect the therapeutic process.

In 2018, a Guardian article by Micha Frazer-Caroll highlighted that ethic students at Cambridge University can now request to see BME counsellors. As a Psychotherapist or other mental health professional, it is important to be multi-culturally sensitive and acknowledge the difficulties and racism that black people face in their everyday life. The black and minority ethnic community have a higher risk of developing mental health difficulties than the white community. A growing amount of research has suggested that ‘regular exposure to racism can increase the chances of developing psychosis and depression’. It’s no secret that black British people are four times more likely to be sectioned than white people. Black aren’t offered as much talking or creative therapies (e.g. psychodynamic, CBT, CAT, MBT, dance movement psychotherapy, art psychotherapy etc.). and tend to only be offered medication.

There is a real lack of diversity within the mental health industry, from my point of view as a Psychotherapist. I mean the field of psychotherapy has always been a middle class profession dominated by white males. The field of psychotherapy doesn’t train mental health professionals to deal with race as a standard, and even if they do, it’s always an awkward lecture here and there.

Black, indigenous, people of colour see colour most of the time. I know that when I enter predominately white spaces, I wonder what people may make of my mere presence. When I was on my final year of training as a Psychotherapist, I always internally acknowledged that I was the only black women in my year group, prior to my final year there were black people on my training course. When I completed my dissertation, I was asked why I did not discuss race and sexuality when working with a black male client within prison services and I suppose I thought about it but perhaps was unsure on how to bring it up with my supervisor. Stereotypes and expectations place on black, indigenous, people of colour, any interaction requires you to acknowledge your race.

Consider refraining from using the phrase ‘I don’t see colour’, perhaps find a phrase that acknowledges black persons differences and perspectives respectfully.