Presentation by: Shemika M Brooks, Psy.D., CGP
Location:
Alamo Heights United Methodist Church
825 E Basse Rd
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Microaggressions are common in person(s)-to-person(s) interactions, and thus are often present in counseling group spaces and clinical practice. Among barriers to clinicians’ ability to respond to microaggressions are insufficient sensitivity for defining and detecting microaggressions and a fear of “messing up.” This workshop will examine microaggressions and implicit bias in groups. It will explore definitions of related terminology, examples that may occur in practice, and the relevance to ethical and informed practice. Participants will engage in higher order cognitive processes to practice identifying microaggressions and unmasking their harmfulness. With examination and discussion of different cultural perspectives the workshop will result in practical ways to apply increased awareness in clinical interventions.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define at least three terms related to microaggressions and implicit bias.
2. Explain the ways in which microaggressions negatively impact the issuers and targets of oppression.
3. List five examples of microaggressions (statements, actions, and/or inactions) that can arise in a group setting.
4. Identify the role that increased awareness plays in reducing microaggressive behavior.
5. Discuss three ways in which the intersections of identity and group composition impact the felt experience of microaggressions in a group setting.