Navigating Microaggressions Through the Lens of Clinicians of Color

While social workers work to raise our collective voices of protest against blatant forms of racism in society, we may be less sensitive to “the subtle, cumulative mini-assault [that]is the substance of today’s racism” present in our profession. Microaggressions are often illusive and nuanced, verbal and nonverbal acts that reflect the superiority, hostility, and discrimination of the dominant culture against a minority. They prove to be more insidious than overt forms of racism because they are easier to go unnamed and, therefore, invalidated.

It is imperative that social workers increase their attunement and consciousness of microaggressions, not only in society at large but also in their profession. This class will review ways in which racial microaggressions are experienced by and impact clinicians of color in a variety of settings. It seeks to illuminate a framework to understand clinicians’ disenfranchised experiences, particularly in clinical environments that are susceptible to act as depositories of transference and countertransference. From the perspective of the professional experience of clinicians of color and a review of literature, we will explore ways to forge critical awareness of the subject. The goals of the presentation are for participants to critically reflect on their practice, become more informed, and learn new practices to become aware of microaggressions, ultimately supporting and creating alliances with their peer clinicians of color.

Clinicians who complete this course will receive 1.5 continuing education hours.