#RadChat – Decolonizing Diagnoses
July 20, 2023
8:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Please join members of the SWAA National Steering Committee in an open discussion about the ways in which we are currently (or can envision) decolonizing therapy/clinical practice.
Let’s discuss how we can take something (the DSM) born from white supremacy and tear it apart as part of our decolonization efforts. Mental illnesses as labeled in the DSM, put people’s lives in danger and can lead to terrible outcomes. How can we continue clinical practice while reducing the negative impacts of these pathologizing labels?
#RadChat Co-Hosts
Aviel Zayas (they/them, xe/xem)
Aviel is a therapist in private practice prioritizing decolonial, anti-capitalist, and anti-racist work with the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community. In all of the ways they can think of and what they can learn from others, they try to shift the typical therapy power dynamics and create a safer, more open environment for clients. Aviel also provides consultations for therapists who want to learn how they can improve their work with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients. In addition, Aviel is a mentor for trans youth/young adults.
Heather is a DSW candidate at Tulane University and licensed clinical social worker at the National MS Society. While her work focuses on mezzo and macro levels of social work practice, Heather’s doctoral work focuses on the clinical experience of Black and Latinx people with multiple sclerosis. Her passions are racial disparities in health care and improving health outcomes of historically marginalized populations.
Sharon Pratt (she/her)
Newark, OH
Sharon is currently serving as a clinical therapist in private practice. She also serves as the president of the Ohio chapter of SWAA. In addition to her social work degree and licensure, she also holds a master’s degree in public administration.