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The Intersection of Diagnosis and Social Justice

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler sits with Christine Banks-Van Allen to discuss the intersection between mental health diagnosis and social justice. We explore the real-life impact of diagnoses on individuals from marginalized communities, share stories highlighting the importance of cultural understanding, and uncover ways to advocate for change within our role as counselors. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional thinking and opens up possibilities for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to mental health diagnosing.

The Intersection of Diagnosis and Social Justice

Episode

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler sits with Christine Banks-Van Allen to discuss the intersection between mental health diagnosis and social justice. We explore the real-life impact of diagnoses on individuals from marginalized communities, share stories highlighting the importance of cultural understanding, and uncover ways to advocate for change within our role as counselors. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional thinking and opens up possibilities for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to mental health diagnosing.

Guest

Christine Banks-Van Allen is an adjunct instructor and doctoral student in counselor education and supervision at Kent State University. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor in Ohio and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She has worked in a community mental health setting for six years and specializes in trauma treatment with adolescent girls. Her scholarly interests center on the intersections between trauma, diagnosis, adolescence, and social justice. Her article, "Conceptualizing Diagnosis through a Social Justice Lens," was recently published in the May issue of Counseling Today.

Resources

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. 

Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., Myers, J., & Sweeney, T. (2005). Developmental counseling and therapy: Promoting wellness over the lifespan. Boston: Lahaska/Houghton Mifflin. 

Kress, V. E. W., Eriksen, K. P., Rayle, A. D., & Ford, S. J. W. (2005). The DSM-IV-TR and culture: Considerations for counselors. Journal of Counseling & Development83(1), 97-104. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2005.tb00584.x  

Kress, V. E., Hoffman, R. M., & Eriksen, K. (2010). Ethical dimensions of diagnosing: Considerations for mental health counselors. Counseling and Values, 55(1), 101-112. https:doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-007x.2010.tb00024.x

Malott, K. M., Barraclough, S., & Yee, T. (2023). Towards decolonizing diagnosis: A critical review and suggested alternatives. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling45, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-022-09501-0

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/j4tMGu8Huwk8AMa36dKPXUYzG94?utm_source=copy_url

Citation

Tyler, J. (Producer). (2023 July 21). The Intersection of Diagnosis and Social Justice. [Audio Podcast]. The Thoughtful Counselor. Retrieved from https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast/the-intersection-of-diagnosis-and-social-justice

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