Expanding the Landscape of Psychotherapy: The Need for Inclusive Research and Practice.
- Novena-Chanel Davies
- Jan 29
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 30
The fields of psychotherapy and psychology have long been shaped by Eurocentric frameworks that, while holding some value in developing understanding into the human psyche, development and education, do not always reflect the diverse lived experiences of Black, Brown, and diasporic communities. Historically, many of the dominant theories and methodologies were developed without considering the impact of culture, systemic inequality, and intergenerational trauma. As the profession evolves, there is a growing recognition that a broader, more inclusive approach is essential to ensuring that therapy is truly accessible and effective for all.
Many professionals enter this field with a deep commitment to healing and transformation, yet they often find that the existing research and training models do not fully align with the needs of the communities they serve. When practitioners and researchers seek to expand these frameworks—introducing culturally responsive approaches, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive practice—they may encounter challenges in finding institutional support or research funding. This highlights the importance of creating space for new perspectives within the profession while continuing to respect and build upon its existing foundations.
Navigating Barriers in Training and Practice
The field of psychotherapy has historically been shaped by Western academic traditions, often emphasizing theories that, while widely studied, may not fully account for the experiences of racialised communities. This is not to say that these theories are without merit—many have provided invaluable insights into human psychology—but rather that there is room for expansion, adaptation, and inclusion.
For many students, teachers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, entering this field can come with the added responsibility of navigating unconscious bias, systemic challenges, and limited access to culturally specific research and training. I myself, as a tutor in Counselling and Psychotjerapy, have been weighted with the racially profiling, biases and role-implimentation of co-tutors from European communities, surprised and unfamiliar of sharing or being under the authority of a black, educated woman, who, does not quite meet the stereotypes of the black people they encounter within their home countries. From being blocked into a room, to namecalled and scpegoated, believe me, I have seen, or heard secondhand, of some many instances of cconscious and unconscious biases prjected into an environment and profession we wish to hold sacred.
There is a growing awareness that psychotherapy training should include a wider range of perspectives, including discussions on cultural identity, systemic barriers, and the role of historical and generational experiences in mental health.
In some training environments, students and professionals who raise these topics may find themselves engaged in challenging but necessary conversations. These discussions are vital for the growth of the field, as they help to ensure that future generations of therapists are well-equipped to work with clients from a broad range of backgrounds. This evolution in training is not about replacing existing knowledge but rather about building upon it to create a more comprehensive and inclusive profession.
The Role of Black, Brown, and Diasporic Practitioners in Shaping the Future
For professionals working in therapy, academia, and clinical settings, there is often a dual role: both contributing to existing structures and working to broaden the scope of practice to include diverse cultural perspectives. Many practitioners are already doing this work, whether through research, education, supervision, or direct client work, helping to ensure that therapy is both accessible and meaningful for all.
A key example of this is the experience of practitioners working in prison and forensic settings, where racial disparities are well-documented. Many professionals in these environments witness first-hand how social and economic factors intersect with mental health needs, reinforcing the importance of research and training that take these realities into account. By creating support networks, research collaborations, and new training opportunities, we can ensure that the profession continues to evolve in ways that benefit all communities.
Moving Forward: Research, Inclusion, and Innovation
The work being done through Epigenetic Relational Therapy Academy (ERA) and initiatives like Integrative Epigenetic Relational Approach - IERA-Therapy™ is part of this wider movement toward inclusive and culturally responsive therapy. These models seek to complement existing frameworks by integrating cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and systemic influences on mental health.
At ERT Academy, we are committed to:
Developing research that reflects diverse lived experiences and intergenerational healing
Training therapists in inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches
Creating networks of professionals who can collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another
Working alongside institutions to ensure psychotherapy training continues to evolve and meet the needs of all communities
This is not about replacing or opposing existing models—it is about expanding the conversation to ensure that psychotherapy remains relevant, inclusive, and effective for future generations. By fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and practitioners, we can build a field that truly supports the mental well-being of all individuals, regardless of background.
Through research, dialogue, and shared learning, we can ensure that psychotherapy continues to grow as a profession that welcomes and serves everyone.
Key concerns:
Many black and brown people steering away from studying Psychology, Psychiatry and Research
I have spoken to many students and professionals who have shared their fears and reservations about studying within the fields of mental health due to awareness of the limitations with the field early, resigning themselves to other paths in an attempt to avoid constantly battling for your research to be taken seriously.
Beliefs that in part, the UK’s psychotherapy and psychology spaces hold elitist, Eurocentric, and exclusionary cores —not just in who they admit, but in what knowledge they deem worthy of study.
The language used around inclusion is often superficial, because real structural change threatens the status quo.
The Power & Politics of Black Women & Men in These Spaces
Your ability to play the game (knowing how to smile, navigate spaces without being perceived as a threat, and choose your battles) is something many of us have had to master for survival.
The subtle but powerful tension —where non-black colleagues both admire and fear you—showing the intersection of race, gender and power. Your intelligence and authority is recognised, but that very recognition unsettles.
The real conflict arises when you’re an equal or a superior. Shared experiences spoken of the shift of power when roles and Titles are equal versus being a student or junior lecturer - revealing deeply ingrained biases.
The Role of Black Women in Research & Leadership
Many Black professionals compartmentalise their experiences to avoid re-traumatisation or burdening loved ones. So many stories go untold, instead, sitting within our bones, leaving biological imprints such as stress, depression, anxiety, shortened telomeres and more.
The Importance of Funding & Institutional Support
Whereas a lot of research funding has been given to reinforce existing hierarchies, a new era is upon us where more and more students and researchers are proposing research that empowers. This amplifying concerns about the likelihood of repurcutions if research questions those hierarchies Will they be underfunded or attempts to dilute its radical potential made?
That’s why networking, community-led initiatives, and alternative funding sources (philanthropic grants, international partnerships, crowdfunding, etc.) might be essential.
Challenges in Training and Practice
Limited Representation in Research & Training
Many therapeutic models still reflect Western, individualistic perspectives, often overlooking collective healing practices, systemic stressors, and racial identity formation.
Research on Black, Brown, and diasporic mental health often focuses on pathology rather than resilience and cultural strengths.
Barriers to Institutional Support
Some organizations resist deeper conversations on power, privilege, and systemic inequality in therapy, fearing they may be perceived as too radical.
There is limited access to funding for research exploring intergenerational trauma, systemic stress, and culturally informed therapeutic approaches.
The Emotional Burden on Practitioners
Therapists and researchers from diverse backgrounds often navigate bias, microaggressions, and institutional hurdles while advocating for more inclusive models.
Professionals working in prison systems, forensic psychology, and crisis settings frequently witness racial disparities firsthand but have limited institutional support to address them.
Solutions: Building a More Inclusive Future in Psychotherapy
1. Expanding Research & Training Models
Develop and promote culturally responsive therapeutic models that recognize the impact of racial identity, migration, and systemic stress.
Encourage collaborative research between universities, independent researchers, and community organizations to widen the scope of mental health studies.
Integrate case studies and client experiences from diverse backgrounds into training programs, ensuring therapists are equipped to work with all communities.
2. Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
Work alongside governing bodies, universities, and funding organizations to incorporate more inclusive approaches into professional training.
Advocate for funding streams that support research in intergenerational trauma, racial identity, and culturally responsive therapy.
Encourage open dialogue within institutions to address barriers to inclusion in a constructive way.
3. Supporting Black, Brown, and Diasporic Practitioners
Create mentorship and peer support networks to help professionals navigate challenges in academia, clinical settings, and private practice.
1.Promote self-care and reflective practice for therapists who work in environments where they experience bias or are underrepresented.
Host networking events, conferences, and collaborative spaces where professionals can share strategies, research, and resources.
4. Developing Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Training Programs
Provide CPD-accredited training for therapists and supervisors on culturally competent approaches to trauma and intergenerational healing.
Ensure ethics and diversity training in counselling programs goes beyond surface-level inclusion and examines systemic influences on mental health.
Offer specialist training on working with communities affected by migration, racial trauma, and systemic inequality.
The Role of IERA-Therapy™ and ERTA in Driving Change
At Epigenetic Relational Therapy Academy (ERTA), we are committed to:
Developing research that reflects diverse lived experiences and intergenerational healing.
Training therapists in inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches.
Creating networks of professionals who can collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another.
Working alongside institutions to ensure psychotherapy training continues to evolve and meet the needs of all communities.
This is not about replacing or opposing existing models—it is about expanding the conversation to ensure that psychotherapy remains relevant, inclusive, and effective for future generations. By fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and practitioners, we can build a field that truly supports the mental well-being of all individuals, regardless of background.
Through research, dialogue, and shared learning, we can ensure that psychotherapy continues to grow as a profession that welcomes and serves everyone.
Key Takeaways:
Expanding research and training to include cultural perspectives strengthens the profession for all.
Collaboration with institutions is essential to create sustainable change
Mentorship and peer support networks are vital for Black, Brown, and diasporic practitioners.
Inclusive, trauma-informed training is necessary to ensure psychotherapy remains accessible and effective.
IERA-Therapy™ and ERTA are committed to bridging these gaps through research, training, and professional development.
By working together, we can build a more equitable, inclusive, and impactful profession that reflects the diverse realities of the communities we serve.
Let's continue the discussion online. Join us on instagram @ert.academy
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