Social Justice in Counseling Psychology: Then, Now, and Looking Forward

Abstract

In this article, a diverse group of early, mid, and advanced career scholars call for counseling psychology to continue to evolve in our integration of social justice action in our field. In doing so, we first consider our history as proponents and enactors of social justice, highlighting the ways in which counseling psychologists have served as social justice leaders in psychology. We then discuss our field’s contemporary challenges to, and opportunities for, social justice progress as we work toward equity and justice. Finally, we offer recommendations for counseling psychologists individually and as a field to move forward in our social justice action. Given our longstanding social justice values and our unique training as counseling psychologists, if we aim with intentionality to use our skills toward systems change, counseling psychologists are poised to have a strong and proactive role as social change agents within psychology and society at large.

Refugees in Resettlement: Processes, Policies, and Mental Health in the United States

“…Counseling psychology, with its strong foundation in social justice, cultural diversity (e.g., DeBlaere et al, 2019; Goodman et al, 2004; Pieterse et al, 2009; Sue et al, 1999; Toporek et al, 2006), and voice on global concerns (e.g., Gerstein et al, 2009; Heppner et al, 2008; Inman et al, 2019; Leong & Bluestein, 2000; Nilsson et al, 2019; Wang & Çiftçi, 2019) is uniquely positioned to lead in the field with regard to refugee mental health. Our values center on the voices of the marginalized, on eliminating oppression, advancing and implementing research, and training sensitivity to international populations (Society of Counseling Psychology, n.d.).…”

Building a Counseling Psychology of Liberation: The Path Behind Us, Under Us, and Before Us

“…Yes, we strive for multiculturalism. Yes, we strive for social justice (DeBlaere et al, 2019). Yes, the ways we got to multiculturalism and social justice were through the vocational discussions in our field (Flores & Heppner, 2002) that later led to examinations of race and racism (Neville & Carter, 2005), anti-LGBTQ+ bias (Nadal et al, 2012; Shelton & Delgado-Romero, 2011), and other experiences of oppression (Alvarez et al, 2016).…”

A Prevention Agenda for 2020 and Beyond: Why Environmental Interventions Matter Now More Than Ever

“…This is relevant when thinking about training. For example, literature in the field of social justice has addressed the role of values and dispositions as predictors of activism, advocacy, and other professional activities that are often focused on changing environments (DeBlaere et al, 2019;Vera & Speight, 2003). This literature has several implications for training.…”