Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Model to Address Internalized Racism Among African American Clients

Abstract

Internalized racism is a significant source of psychological distress and low self-esteem among African Americans. Yet many counselors are challenged in their ability to address race and internalized racism in their work with clients, as there are few theoretically based approaches within the counseling literature to assist counselors with addressing internalized racism during therapy. In this article, the authors describe how culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy may be used to address internalized racism among this population. Core beliefs, schemas, and compensatory strategies that characterize internalized racism are first identified. Application of these constructs during case conceptualization and treatment planning is then illustrated through a case study. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for counselor training and supervision.