Applications of Relational-Cultural Theory for Social Justice in Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

A long-standing challenge in counseling practice is the application of multicultural and social justice competencies through traditional counseling paradigms, many of which uphold systems of oppression. Although contemporary standards for the profession emphasize the need for greater attention to systemic influences on clients’ lives, enacting frameworks such as the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) proposed by Ratts et al. without a complementary theoretical framework can be challenging for mental health counselors. Relational-cultural theory (RCT) offers such a framework to support counselors’ efforts to serve marginalized clients, as well as understand their own oppressed identities in the counseling room. Following an overview of RCT, the authors describe practical guidelines for enacting the MSJCC through RCT in clinical practice. A case study is provided to illustrate a workable application for mental health counselors.

Structurally informed psychodynamic theory case conceptualization: Expanding the conceptualization map.

“…An important level of advocacy intervention addresses “the values, norms, and expectations of a community” (Westcott & Grimes, 2023, p. 13) Relevant to the current case, it would be important to challenge the sexist, classist, and racist stereotypes related to single motherhood and addiction that shape Rachel’s experiences of shame and isolation. Expanding access to positive portrayals of single mothers and families affected by addiction would be one avenue for institutional advocacy that could contribute to the reduction of stigma and shame at the community level.…”