Decolonizing a UK counseling psychology training program: the journey so far.
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| Title: | Decolonizing a UK counseling psychology training program: the journey so far. |
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| Authors: | Nkansa-Dwamena, Ohemaa (AUTHOR), Alhakim, Jeeda (AUTHOR), Challenor, Julianna (AUTHOR), Gunasinghe, Cerisse (AUTHOR), Haddon, Alice (AUTHOR), Kahya, Holly (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Counselling Psychology Quarterly. Mar2026, Vol. 39 Issue 1, p137-156. 20p. |
| Subjects: | Curriculum, Philosophy of education, Doctoral programs, Course evaluation (Education), Professional identity, Psychology, Intersectionality, Anti-racism, Professions, Curriculum planning, Counseling, Patient participation |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| Abstract: | As Counseling Psychology doctoral training in the United Kingdom marks 20 years, we, six counseling psychology educators, reflect on the evolution of our anti-racist and decolonizing practice, through the lens of our professional identity. In this paper, we situate our training within the current UK context critically considering the constraints of the governing structures and our institutional policies. We reflect on our program's journey, from a place of relative "color-blindness" and racial ignorance, to ever increasing critical, racial consciousness. Whilst some colleagues on our program have for years engaged with attempts to decolonize our discipline, we acknowledge the murder of George Floyd in 2020, as a pivotal turning point in our program's history, sparking accelerated change. Decolonization on our program has taken varied forms. Whilst we believe these changes have been impactful, we acknowledge their limitations; and reflect on the challenges of working within a system that inherently restricts radical action and change. We present a critical analysis of these challenges, interrogating the notions of decolonization in relation to counseling psychology training and practice, grappling with its scope and complexity. We conclude with a summary of our current position; future directions and recommendations, for other programs, educators and the broader discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | As Counseling Psychology doctoral training in the United Kingdom marks 20 years, we, six counseling psychology educators, reflect on the evolution of our anti-racist and decolonizing practice, through the lens of our professional identity. In this paper, we situate our training within the current UK context critically considering the constraints of the governing structures and our institutional policies. We reflect on our program's journey, from a place of relative "color-blindness" and racial ignorance, to ever increasing critical, racial consciousness. Whilst some colleagues on our program have for years engaged with attempts to decolonize our discipline, we acknowledge the murder of George Floyd in 2020, as a pivotal turning point in our program's history, sparking accelerated change. Decolonization on our program has taken varied forms. Whilst we believe these changes have been impactful, we acknowledge their limitations; and reflect on the challenges of working within a system that inherently restricts radical action and change. We present a critical analysis of these challenges, interrogating the notions of decolonization in relation to counseling psychology training and practice, grappling with its scope and complexity. We conclude with a summary of our current position; future directions and recommendations, for other programs, educators and the broader discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 09515070 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/09515070.2025.2521823 |
