Philosophical errors and unintended harms in recrafting the foundation of counseling and psychotherapy: Commentary on Sue et al. (2024).

Abstract

In this commentary, we address some of the faulty assumptions regarding Enlightenment philosophy that Sue et al. (see record 2025-04512-010) claim are at the root of systemic racism in counseling and psychotherapy (C&P). They argued that Enlightenment concepts-universalism, individualism, objectivism, and empiricism-be replaced by relativism, collectivism, subjectivism, and experientialism. We describe the potential harms that could result from the abandonment of Enlightenment ideals, including worsening prejudicial actions. We conclude that racism in C&P is more likely accounted for by individual therapist actions rather than a result of the philosophical foundations of C&P. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).