This course will increase therapists’ self-awareness at the intersections of identity, power, and oppression. By exploring the nuance and complexity of their own identity development, participants will build awareness, empathy, and cultural humility for clients - especially those who are marginalized and oppressed.

Upon course completion, participants will be able to:

• Identify and reflect on the basic stages and contexts of identity development.
• Guide clients through a holistic exploration of identity.
• Articulate the primary systems of oppression, identify their own levels of more or less power within those systems, and develop language to discuss identity, power, and oppression with clients.
• Create more authentic therapeutic alliances with clients of diverse identities.

This course is approved for 4 CEUs for the MN Board of Social Work, MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (for LPC/LPCC), and MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (satisfies the Cultural Competency requirement).