Coalition launches toolkit for psychological therapies training to broaden diversity in the sector
As part of the Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice, we are excited to share the new toolkit ‘Race is complicated’. The toolkit aims 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, the toolkit 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).
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.
The toolkit 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.
Download the toolkit
Join the launch event
Join the free online launch event on Thursday 19 October 2023 at 4-5pm. We will hear from:
- MC Myira Khan, founder of the Muslim Counselling and Psychotherapist Network
- authors Marcelline Menyié and Danielle Osajivbe-Williams from Routes Therapeutic Consultancy.
They will talk about:
- how to use the toolkit
- how it came to be
- 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.
On-demand recordings from the event will be available after the launch.
Register for the event on Place2Be’s website.
About the Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice
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.
We are members of the coalition, alongside:
- 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)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
Together, they serve to improve the mental health of millions of people in the UK.
From the authors
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.
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.