Full Description
This book shows how silence around taboo topics can undermine therapy goals, as well as the teaching, practice, and profession of psychotherapy more broadly. It gives readers the skills they need to recognize and overcome barriers to speaking up.
The authors describe current and historical contexts that can make frank discussions of certain topics difficult, and present factors that play a role in self-silencing. Strategies including questions for reflection and group exercises can help readers build the courage to talk more openly, honestly, and directly in the therapy room and beyond. Chapters focus on a variety of topics that can be difficult to discuss openly including physical difference and disability, sexual orientation, sexual reactions to clients, therapist feelings of anger, oppression, white supremacy culture, religion, money and fees, and death and dying.
Speaking the Unspoken seeks to create dialogue, by encouraging the reader to deepen their understanding of these underexamined topics and improve their ability to help clients and strengthen the profession.
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Unspoken Topics in Psychotherapy and How This Book Can Help Break the Silence
Part I: The Problem of the Unspoken
. A Chilling Context for Psychotherapy: Cancel Culture, Hyperpolarization, Books and Topics Banned by the State, Frightened Academics, and Self-Censorship
2. A Silenced Profession: The Toxic Effects of Taboo Topics
3. Systems of Silencing and Cognitive Cues for Keeping Quiet
4. An Example of the Problem: Therapists' Sexual Attractions, Arousals, and Fantasies
Part II: Preparing to Break the Silence
5. Looking Inward: A Self-Assessment of How We Respond to Challenging Topics
. Strengthening the Courage to Speak Up: Creating a Supportive Context
Part III: Speaking the Unspoken-Exercises for Exploring and Learning
7. Talking About Physical Difference and Disability
8. Talking About Sexual and Affectional Orientation
9. Talking About Sexual Reactions to Clients
. Talking About Anger
. Talking About Oppression
2. Speaking Up About White Supremacy Culture
3. Talking About Religion
4. Talking About Money and Fees
5. Talking About Death and Dying
Part IV: Speaking the Unspoken Beyond Psychotherapy
. Speaking Up in Supervision and Consultation
7. Speaking Up in the Profession and the Community
Part V: But What If...
8. Hitting a Wall, or The Wall Hitting Us: What to Do When Confused, Scared, Disheartened, or Stuck
References
About the Authors
Index
