Therapists and Bias: A Guide to Anti-Oppressive Practices

Imagine sitting across from a client whose struggles are deeply connected with systemic barriers, microaggressions, and cultural misunderstandings. As therapists, counselors, and social workers, we hold the power to either amplify their voices or inadvertently silence them through unexamined biases. Addressing bias is not just about personal reflection, it’s about reshaping the therapeutic space to be genuinely inclusive and anti-oppressive.

Bias is a topic we often avoid discussing, yet its presence impacts every facet of therapy. Whether it’s implicit assumptions about a client’s background or discomfort navigating cultural differences, bias can influence therapeutic outcomes. The good news? By embracing cultural humility and ongoing learning, therapists can transform their practice and become allies in their clients' healing journeys.

This blog explores practical strategies to navigate bias, with insights from renowned expert Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW. Diane’s training equips therapists with tools to confront bias head-on, ensuring more equitable and effective care for all clients.

The Psychology Behind Bias in Therapy

Bias is a natural cognitive process that everyone experiences. Rooted in our brain’s tendency to categorize information quickly, unconscious biases form as a way to make sense of the world. While these biases can help us navigate complex environments, they often lead to unintentional judgments that affect client-therapist relationships.

How Bias Develops

Unconscious bias is shaped by:

• Cultural Norms: Growing up in specific cultural contexts shapes our beliefs about others.

• Media Influence: Stereotypes perpetuated in movies, news, and advertisements reinforce biases.

• Personal Experiences: Interactions with different groups, both positive and negative, shape perceptions.

In therapy, these biases can manifest as:

• Misinterpreting a client’s emotions or behaviors based on stereotypes.

• Avoid discussions about race, identity, or systemic issues due to discomfort.

• Applying one-size-fits-all approaches that neglect cultural nuances.

The Impact on Therapy

Bias doesn’t just affect rapport; it influences outcomes. Clients may feel unseen or invalidated if their experiences aren’t acknowledged. Research published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry found that clients who perceive bias in therapy are less likely to engage fully, reducing treatment efficacy.

Tools for Self-Assessment

Recognizing bias is the first step toward mitigating its effects. One widely recommended tool is the Harvard Implicit Bias Test, which helps individuals uncover unconscious attitudes.

How to Use It:

• Take the test to identify areas where bias may exist.

• Reflect on how these biases could influence your therapeutic approach.

• Develop a plan to address these biases through education, supervision, and self-awareness exercises.

Bias in Clinical Practice

Bias, whether explicit or implicit, refers to attitudes or stereotypes that influence our perceptions and interactions. In therapy, bias often manifests in subtle but impactful ways, such as:

• Overlooking the influence of systemic racism on a client’s mental health.

• Assuming cultural norms without asking the client directly.

• Applying a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, neglecting individual cultural needs.

Examples of Bias in Therapy

• Implicit Bias: A therapist unconsciously attributes anxiety symptoms to a cultural stereotype rather than exploring the client’s unique context.

• Microaggressions: Commenting on a client’s English fluency in a way that feels patronizing or dismissive.

• Overgeneralization: Assuming all members of a cultural group share the same values or experiences.

Tools for Anti-Oppressive Practice

1. Incorporating Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is not about being “an expert” in every culture; it’s about being curious, open, and willing to learn from your clients. This approach requires therapists to:

• Continuously reflect on their own cultural identities and biases.

• Avoid making assumptions based on a client’s ethnicity, religion, or background.

• Foster collaborative relationships where the client’s voice takes center stage.

Expert Tip:

Incorporate culturally responsive interventions. For example, use storytelling or metaphors rooted in the client’s cultural traditions to make therapy more relatable.

2. Building Cultural Competence

Cultural competence involves actively acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respect diverse cultural perspectives. Key strategies include:

• Active Listening: Focus on the client’s narrative without imposing personal interpretations.

• Education: Enroll in courses like Diane Bigler’s anti-oppressive training to deepen your understanding.

• Collaboration: Work with community leaders or cultural liaisons to bridge gaps in understanding.

Did You Know?
Studies show that culturally adapted therapy is four times more effective than standard interventions for clients from diverse backgrounds.

Diane Bigler’s Expertise: A Beacon for Therapists

With over 25 years in the mental health field, Diane Bigler is a trailblazer in promoting cultural competency and addressing bias. Her experience as a clinical supervisor, educator, and program director has made her a sought-after trainer on topics like anti-oppressive practices, trauma, and workplace diversity.

Diane’s Approach

• Emphasizes practical tools for identifying and addressing bias in real-time.

• Advocates for cultural humility as a lifelong journey rather than a one-time achievement.

• Provides reflective exercises and resources, such as the Harvard Implicit Bias Test, to help therapists uncover and address their biases.

Explore Diane’s transformative courses, including:

• DBT for Substance Use

• Trauma and Addiction

• OCD Treatment Techniques

The Importance of Continuous Learning in Cultural Competence

Addressing bias is an ongoing process. Participating in live and recorded training sessions ensures therapists stay informed about the latest research, tools, and perspectives. Courses like Diane’s Navigating Bias, Racism, and Prejudice equip professionals with actionable insights to create truly inclusive practices.

Benefits of Ongoing Training

• Improved Therapeutic Outcomes: Clients report higher satisfaction and trust when therapists demonstrate cultural competence.

• Personal Growth: Engaging in reflective exercises builds empathy and self-awareness.

• Professional Credibility: Continuing education ensures therapists meet and exceed licensing requirements.

Important:
Schedule regular check-ins with peers or supervisors to discuss challenges and share strategies for navigating bias in therapy.

Practical Applications for Therapists

Case Study: 

A therapist working with a Black client notices they feel hesitant to discuss racial trauma. Upon reflection, the therapist realizes they’ve been avoiding these conversations out of fear of saying the wrong thing. By attending Diane Bigler’s Anti-Oppressive Practices Course, the therapist gains the confidence to navigate these discussions with sensitivity and authenticity.

Reflective Questions for Therapists

• Have I ever made assumptions about a client based on their cultural background?

• How do my own cultural experiences shape my therapeutic approach?

• What steps can I take to better understand the systemic barriers my clients face?

Enhancing Client Relationships Through Anti-Oppressive Practices

Strategies for Building Trust

• Normalize Difficult Conversations: Acknowledge the discomfort in discussing bias and invite open dialogue.

• Validate Experiences: Reassure clients that their feelings about discrimination or systemic barriers are valid.

• Empower Clients: Collaborate on solutions that respect their cultural values and autonomy.

Interesting Fact
Clients who feel culturally validated in therapy are 82% more likely to remain engaged in treatment, according to a study published in Psychotherapy Networker.

Final Thoughts

Navigating bias in therapy is not a destination, it’s a continuous journey of growth, reflection, and learning. By embracing anti-oppressive practices, therapists can create spaces where all clients feel seen, heard, and valued.

Diane Bigler’s expertise offers a roadmap for addressing bias with confidence and compassion. Explore her live webinar or dive into her on-demand courses to take the next step in your professional development.

Let’s commit to breaking barriers, challenging assumptions, and fostering equity in therapy, one session at a time.