Presentation Title
Counseling Psychology and Social Justice: Where We’ve Been and How We Can Be Better
Location
Fenn Tower Ballroom
Presentation Type
Roundtable Discussion
Start Date
4-12-2014 3:30 PM
End Date
4-12-2014 4:20 PM
Abstract
Social Justice as a component of the field of Counseling Psychology can be traced back to the early 20th century with the work of Frank Parsons and the vocational guidance movement. More recently, with the rise of multiculturalism, social justice work is often seen as necessary to uphold the values of equality called for by the multicultural movement. As counseling psychologists, our work is always value-laden and political in nature, therefore, counseling psychologists must either align with the status quo or seek to promote social justice (Prilleltensky, 2008). Because power is differentially distributed, counseling psychologists must purposefully combat power inequities that disrupt and challenge pervasive forms of oppression (e.g., racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism), which are both political and psychological in nature. However, too often the voices of counseling psychologists are found in the field’s journals and ivory towers and remain absent from the public and political sphere.
This roundtable discussion serves to (1) address the importance of social justice within the field of counseling psychology, (2) discuss the ways counseling psychologists are engaged in social justice, (3) critically examine ways in which counseling psychologists are not fulfilling the value and emphasis of social justice, and (4) brainstorm ways in which counseling psychologists can reengage with and promote social justice through macro-level interventions (Beer et al., 2012). Additionally, the discussants will address findings of a content analysis of counseling journals to explore the depth and breadth of social justice work that is published by counseling psychologists.
Counseling Psychology and Social Justice: Where We’ve Been and How We Can Be Better
Fenn Tower Ballroom
Social Justice as a component of the field of Counseling Psychology can be traced back to the early 20th century with the work of Frank Parsons and the vocational guidance movement. More recently, with the rise of multiculturalism, social justice work is often seen as necessary to uphold the values of equality called for by the multicultural movement. As counseling psychologists, our work is always value-laden and political in nature, therefore, counseling psychologists must either align with the status quo or seek to promote social justice (Prilleltensky, 2008). Because power is differentially distributed, counseling psychologists must purposefully combat power inequities that disrupt and challenge pervasive forms of oppression (e.g., racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism), which are both political and psychological in nature. However, too often the voices of counseling psychologists are found in the field’s journals and ivory towers and remain absent from the public and political sphere.
This roundtable discussion serves to (1) address the importance of social justice within the field of counseling psychology, (2) discuss the ways counseling psychologists are engaged in social justice, (3) critically examine ways in which counseling psychologists are not fulfilling the value and emphasis of social justice, and (4) brainstorm ways in which counseling psychologists can reengage with and promote social justice through macro-level interventions (Beer et al., 2012). Additionally, the discussants will address findings of a content analysis of counseling journals to explore the depth and breadth of social justice work that is published by counseling psychologists.
