‘Power is not a thing, but a fluid relationship. This means that, in all relationships at all times, we are engaged in power relations.’ ~ Julie Tilsen
Anti-oppressive practise (AOP) is a social-justice oriented approach that requires critical reflection and understanding of the world through the lens of disciplines such as anti-racism, decolonization, queer theory, liberation psychology, feminism, disability justice, etc. It recognizes multiple, relational, subjective truths and experiences.
Key principles of anti-oppressive practise include:
1. Practising critical self-reflection of the therapist’s social location, identities, role, and experience.
2. Critical assessment of client’s experiences of oppression while recognizing how environmental, social, and cultural factors contribute to marginalization.
3. Empowering clients by tending to ways that social systems and structures contribute towards their experiences and their mental health.
4. Working in partnership & in collaboration with clients as experts of their experience and addressing the power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship.
An anti-oppressive therapist actively works to recognize and challenge systemic inequalities and power imbalances in their practice. They aim to create a therapeutic environment that is inclusive and respectful of diverse identities, including race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and more. Their approach involves understanding how social, cultural, and economic factors impact a client’s mental health and well-being, and they strive to address these factors to provide more equitable and effective care.
‘Because power is relational and contextual, it isn’t inherently good or bad. It all depends on what effects that power has. Finally, power is always operating, and always moving in multiple directions.’ ~ Julie Tilsen
Some examples of anti-oppressive practise in individual therapy:
The therapist acknowledges, respects and supports a client’s cultural, religious, spiritual practices as part of the client’s values, beliefs and identity.
The therapist regularly checks in with the client about how they feel in the therapeutic relationship and makes adjustments if the client feels unheard or uncomfortable.
The therapist honors clients’ language, especially when it has to do with their identity.
If a client is experiencing discrimination, the therapist explores how these experiences impact the client’s mental health and works on coping strategies that acknowledge and address these on a personal & environmental level.
The therapist supports clients to recognize and challenge internalized racism or sexism that affects their self-esteem. For instance, if a client is struggling with self-worth due to societal expectations, the therapist helps them critically examine these expectations and develop a more empowered self-view.
The therapist regularly attends workshops or training on issues related to oppression and privilege, and applies this learning by reflecting on how their practice can better support diverse clients. They also seek supervision or peer feedback to address areas where they may need to improve their approach.
Some examples of anti-oppressive practice when working with children and families:
The therapist recognizes and builds upon the family’s existing strengths. For instance, if a family values close-knit relationships and mutual support, the therapist might use these values as a foundation for addressing challenges or conflicts.
If a child or family member has a disability, the therapist ensures the therapy environment is accessible. For instance, providing materials in alternative formats or ensuring physical accessibility for those using mobility aids.
The therapist uses inclusive language and respects the child’s or family member’s chosen name and pronouns. They avoid making assumptions about gender or sexuality and actively support children exploring their identities.
The therapist avoids assuming that all family structures are heterosexual or traditional. They include diverse family models in discussions and therapy materials, recognizing and validating non-heteronormative family structures.
For children who are exploring or expressing fluid gender identities, the therapist provides a space where these identities are validated and explored. They support the child to articulate their feelings without imposing fixed categories.
The therapist considers how disability and queer identities intersect and affect the individual’s experiences. For instance, they explore how both disability and queer identity impact a child’s social interactions and self-perception, providing a holistic approach to their well-being.
Some examples of anti-oppressive practice in Clinical Supervision:
The supervisor creates a collaborative and egalitarian supervisory relationship by regularly soliciting feedback from supervisees on the supervisory process and addressing any concerns about power imbalances.
The supervisor encourages supervisees to use inclusive language and practices in their work with clients.
The supervisor supports supervisees in recognizing and addressing systemic issues that affect clients. For instance, they might discuss how systemic racism or economic inequality impacts clients and guide supervisees in developing interventions that acknowledge these broader social factors.
The supervisor supports supervisees in engaging in advocacy efforts for marginalized communities. They might discuss ways to integrate social justice principles into clinical practice and encourage supervisees to advocate for systemic changes that benefit their clients.
The supervisor recognizes the impact of working with marginalized populations on therapists’ well-being and provides support for self-care and managing burnout.
The supervisor ensures that feedback is delivered in a manner that is respectful and constructive, acknowledging diverse communication styles and preferences.
The supervisor models a commitment to lifelong learning about anti-oppressive practices and encourages supervisees to do the same.