Decolonising Therapy

Decolonising therapy does not mean claiming purity. It involves being more honest about the frameworks we inherit, the harm we may unconsciously continue, and the ways even our most well-meaning practices can bear the mark of dominance. It is about prioritising the voices of those most affected by colonisation, racism, and intergenerational trauma, and following their lead.

The call to decolonise is resonating across disciplines, including education, the arts, and, increasingly, psychotherapy. What does it mean to decolonise therapy, a practice already linked with healing and care? Can something that seems harmless still cause harm?