Decolonizing Counseling Psychology to Address Racial Trauma on Black and Racialized Bodies: Recommendations for Healing-Centered Care Strategies

Psychology’s troubled past perpetuates systemic racism, reinforcing racial trauma and marginalization through mental health disparities, structural barriers, and culturally discordant clinical practices. This legacy affects racialized communities in Canada and the United Kingdom. This article explores psychology’s intersection with racism and cultural identity, drawing on our experiences as Black and racialized individuals. We examine the historical context of psychology, disclosing how early theories and figures promoted pseudoscientific claims that justified segregation and pathologization. Understanding this historical context is crucial for addressing ongoing racism and mental health disparities. We identify barriers to mental health services and emphasize the need for decolonized, and culturally informed practices. To promote healing, we draw on the Africentric framework, recommending healing-centered care strategies that spotlight culturally responsive assessments and systemic change. In conclusion, this paper charts a transformative path forward for counseling psychology. It advocates for an inclusive discipline that embraces diverse epistemologies and fosters healing for Black and racialized communities.