The field of therapy has historically been and is currently dominated by those who have the most power in our culture: white people. Centering the voices and lived experiences of Black people is crucial to shifting this reality and to creating more inclusive and liberating healing spaces. Reading books by Black authors is one way I work to interrupt my conditioning into white supremacy and to learn more about the ideas and experiences of Black people.

In honor of Black History Month, I want to share a few of my favorite books by Black authors. Some of these are classics that have shaped my thinking for many years and some I discovered more recently. Each of these books and authors have impacted my life and my work in a significant way.

We’re working on a presentation for the East Tennessee State University Social Work Professional Development Conference next month called Ethical, Trauma-Informed Practice with Transgender & Non-Binary Clients and this quote from The Politics of Trauma by Staci K. Haines has been a guide:

“If we do not understand and integrate the shaping power of institutions, social norms, economic systems, oppression, and privilege alongside the profound influences of family and community, we will not fully understand trauma or how to heal from it. We will not understand how to prevent it.”

Is your partner considering gender transition, in that process, or questioning their gender? Having a partner transition can be isolating and confusing. It can also be amazing and transformative! Over the years working with folks embarking on gender transition, it’s been clear to me how important support for partners can be to trans and non-binary folks themselves and to the success of their relationship(s).

Are a mental health professional (therapist, counselor, herbalist, however you offer your brand of healing wisdom, I'm talking to you) looking for more support in your work with clients? Do you feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the problems your clients face and confused about how put all the pieces together? Would it help to have someone (or a non-judgmental group of someones) to talk through your specific questions and offer feedback on how to improve your work?