Page 292 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

266 microaggressive impact on mental health practice

Table 12.1 (Continued )
THEMES MICROAGGRESSION MESSAGE
Assumption of Abnormality When discussing her Bisexuality represents
Occurs when it is implied that bisexuality, the therapist confusion about sexual
there is something wrong with continues to imply orientation.
being LGBT that there is a “crisis of
identity.”
The therapist of a 20-year- Your sexuality is
old lesbian inadvertently something that is not
refers to her sexuality as a stable.
“phase.”
Source: Adapted from Sue, Capodilupo, et al., 2007 and Sue & Capodilupo, 2008.

Given that clients of color are frequently the victims of microaggressions
from helping professionals, clients of color may become suspicious of their
motives, believe they are untrustworthy, feel oppressed rather than liberated,
become alienated, and fail to continue in the sessions. When the emotional
climate is negative, and when little trust or understanding exists between social
worker and client, the clinical process can be both ineffective and destructive.

SOCIOPOLITICAL FACTORS IN THE HELPING
PROFESSIONAL ’ S CREDIBILITY

It is certainly ironic when many people who seek therapy because of prob-
lems in their lives are further damaged by microaggressions delivered by
well - intentioned helping professionals. Worse yet, they are never provided
the help they need if they prematurely terminate their sessions, or if they are
provided with inappropriate and antagonistic therapy.
It is important to note, however, that while we will continue to discuss
the therapeutic relationship, what occurs between therapists and clients
is no different from relationships between physicians and patients, police
and citizens, teachers and students, sales clerks and customers, employers and
employees, coworkers, neighbors, and family members. Racial, gender,
and sexual - orientation microaggressions can prevent the development
of trust in the formation of a burgeoning relationship, or seriously alter,
impair, or end an existing one. For the helping professional, it is important

to recognize how sociopolitical factors play a significant role in the manifestation
of microaggressions.

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