Owning Whiteness

Abstract

SUMMARY White therapists must accept, confront, and understand the fabric of oppression, and have a treatment model that helps them understand their own racial identity as well as that of their clients. Disowning Whiteness, stepping away from the experience and responsibility of White racial identity, inhibits genuine acknowledgement of privilege, and leads to the unintentional perpetuation of racism. Therapists have a responsibility to go beyond cultural competency and recognize that raising consciousness about racism is as valid and important for White clients as it is for people of color. This paper uses the Helms Racial Identity Model (1995) and a socio-historical analysis of racism to present an antiracist framework for psychotherapy and counseling.