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Writer's pictureMadison Hamm, LCSW

Representation Matters, especially in the therapeutic relationship.



Representation, someone or something that represents, or the action of presenting or describing a person or thing especially in a particular way. some definitions also include the words "advocating for."


When we think of going to therapy, it may be to feel heard, to problem solve or to learn about ourselves. There are many reasons why someone may seek therapy, and no matter what the reason, going to therapy can feel very vulnerable, and sometimes scary.


It's important that the person guiding you through that journey feels safe, familiar, welcoming, understanding, etc., a person that may advocate well for you. Representation in media can often times feel empowering, instill hope or even open up possibilities. Why would it be different for therapy?


Representation in Media

When we hear "representation in media," we think of characters like Halle Bailey in the newest Little Mermaid, Moana in Moana, Rue in Euphoria or David from Schitt's Creek. These are all characters that represent a group of people that are not the "default" or what we may primarily see. As the trailer for the new Little Mermaid came out, we saw a movement on social media of young black girls and women feeling excited, empowered and seen. Moana was the first Disney princess that had a typical body shape that defies society's beauty standards for young girls. Rue shows us a teenager struggling with addiction, and navigating their sexual orientation. David shows a gay adult male re-inventing his life and finding true, mature and "happy ending"- type of love.




Representation in Therapy

When a part of these minoritized groups, there are a few common experiences. A few examples being: "I often feel on the outside, because the majority of people don't look like me," or "I live in a specific type of fear that nobody else understands," or "To work harder than my majority group member counterpart to maybe get the same opportunities is exhausting."


Defining Minoritization

The term “minority” refers to a group that in numbers, is lesser than a different, or, primary group. The term “minoritized” refers to groups that are marginalized, persecuted or unfairly judged due to systematic oppression. The difference between “minority” and “minoritized” groups is that for example, in a region of Texas, the majority population is Hispanic/Latino, however systematic oppression and prejudice still results in government representation to be higher in White Americans, as well as disparities in resources to these regions.


Minoritized groups include the LGBTQIA+ community, Black and African Americans, AAPI community, Hispanic & Latino Americans, impoverished Americans and some religious groups. These groups and communities all have unique, special and different traditions, culture and nuances that are part of their experience. Something they all have in common is the experience of systematic misjudgment and mistreatment as well as oppression that people of privilege or in majority groups may not understand. In most of these examples, there has historically been a group or movement actively working to harm, eliminate or criminalize their existence.


What does this mean for my therapeutic journey?

Using common modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT, relational therapy, narrative therapy and more can still be extremely helpful, even if you do see a therapist that is in a different group than you. Representation in the therapeutic process and alliance can provide a deeper and secure-feeling relationship.


The therapeutic alliance is built on trust, compassion and empathy. Having representation of your unique experience could greatly impact the chance of a strong therapeutic alliance, if feeling minoritized is part of your life experience.


If you would like to learn more about seeking therapy where you are understood and represented, please don't hesitate to reach out to explore the right match for you.

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