The Diagnostic Process From a Freirean Perspective

Abstract

This article applies Freire's ideas regarding the movement from oppression to liberation via critical reflection to the field of mental health counseling, and discusses how Freire's concepts are intentionally and unintentionally manifested through the practice of diagnosing mental illnesses

Entering Communities: Social Justice Oriented Disaster Response Counseling

“…Teaching and training endeavors that use critical consciousness theory have been effective in stimulating the development of new and more complex understanding of social justice principles as well as the realization of more sophisticated forms of cultural competence, particularly when used in outreach or service learning settings (Goodman & West-Olatunji, 2009a). At the core of critical consciousness theory is the humanistic belief in the ability of individuals to transform the world, to work toward fulfillment, and to regain humanity through the liberation of the mind (Demmit & Oldenski, 1999;Freire, 2000). Critical consciousness theory engenders counselor training that focuses on the liberation of both the counselor and the client by creating a therapeutic partnership that is both humanistic and social justice oriented (D'Andrea, 2005).…”

Getting started in CBPR: lessons in building community partnerships for new researchers

“…Freire was a Brazilian educator who work focused on aiding oppressed and marginalized communities to achieve liberation through literacy. Demmitt and Oldenski (1999) described Freire’s approach as ‘empowering the oppressed by transforming oppressors through reflection and action’. Gutierrez and Ortega (1991) expanded the meaning of empowerment to include personal, interpersonal and political forms.…”