Critically analyzing the field of neuroscience and its therapeutic application with Black populations

Abstract

With the recent proliferation of neuroscience‐backed literature in counseling, the lack of connection to multiculturalism is disquieting. The critique is that there is a dearth on the application of neuroscience with clients of color, specifically Black populations. This article provides a critique of neuroscience and its implications and applicability for Black populations. The rationale for the specificity was to give counselors a concrete method to apply with an underserved populace, coupled with specific clinical considerations/guidelines.

Optimal conceptual theory: Integrating spirituality, mind, and body through Africana concepts

“…Step four is the stage that comprises making a culturally responsive diagnosis that should not denigrate the client's experiences. For example, the literature is replete with the misdiagnosis of Black populations due to scientific racism (Burt & Pankey, 2023). In OCT, counselors provide a diagnosis that does not exacerbate this issue, as Black clients normally receive high-level conditions such as psychotic and antisocial personality disorders (Myers et al, 2022;Williams et al, 2023).…”

“…In fact, the American Counseling Association (ACA), the premier counseling organization, released a statement urging practitioners to resist institutional discrimination (ACA, 2020). Yet, even with this advocacy, resistance still exists in implementing theories, strategies, and techniques that do not adhere to Eurocentric perspectives (Burt & Pankey, 2023;Hannon et al, 2023). The United States is currently in a midst of racial unrest that requires the need for treatment modalities that speak directly to the needs of Black people (Burt & Pankey, 2023;Burt & Tosado II, 2024).…”

“…Yet, even with this advocacy, resistance still exists in implementing theories, strategies, and techniques that do not adhere to Eurocentric perspectives (Burt & Pankey, 2023;Hannon et al, 2023). The United States is currently in a midst of racial unrest that requires the need for treatment modalities that speak directly to the needs of Black people (Burt & Pankey, 2023;Burt & Tosado II, 2024). Thus, counselors need contemporary, culturally responsive models and theories to utilize and draw upon (Consoli & Myers, 2022;Hannon et al, 2023;Middleton et al, 2023).…”

“…As indicated by Myers (1993), Myers et al (2022), andSpeight et al (1991), OCT can bring a new culturally responsive outlook to counseling. According to Burt and Pankey (2023), the counseling field is sometimes slow to adopt new paradigms unless there is a push to undertake this progression. The intent of this article is to be a catalyst for change to begin.…”

Understanding the Black male experience: Recommendations for clinical, community, and school settings

“…It could be easily stated that the above assertion is an isolated case and that professionals, such as counselors and educators, can receive special training to assist in buffering against these troublesome perceptions and stereotypes. Extant research, however, indicates teachers, law enforcement, lawyers, and medical doctors are all susceptible to internalize stereotypes of different groups and to perpetuate bias or discriminatory practices (Burt & Pankey, 2023; Hines et al., 2022; Miller & Lensmire, 2020).…”