Mini Masters Programme on Race, Racism and Mental Health

Hosted by BAME in Psychiatry & Psychology and the Centre of Pan African Thought.

Background

Cross-cultural and Afrocentric psychologists have long highlighted that the practice of psychiatry and psychology in western spheres is largely based on Greco-Roman philosophical and cultural underpinnings (i.e. individualism, logical positivism, and rationalism) and largely the experiences of white Eurocentric participants. Thus, psychological theories and research are principally developed to explain the psychology of those from European descent. This presents a significant problem for western practitioners as the lack of inclusivity of race and culture impedes the ability to sufficiently explain the social and psychological functioning of ethnically diverse groups, as well as develop culturally-appropriate care for service users of ethnicity.

In light of this, BAME in Psychiatry & Psychology and the Centre of Pan African Thought have collaborated to deliver the Race, Racism and Mental Health masters programme at King's College London.

Overview

The masterclass series will be delivered in six sessions by Suman Fernando, Malcolm Phillips, Rameri Makoum, and Hari Sewell, four vastly experienced and respected voices in the mental health field, who in an array of activities will empower attendees to feel confident in considering and tackling perspectives of race, racism and culture within Western Psychiatry and Psychology. Attendees will also be equipped in identifying racist practice and exploring culturally diverse of models of treatment, training or policy.

Booking

Please be advised that in booking the Race, Racism and Mental Health Masterclass series you reserve your place on all dates (March 5, 2020 , March 12, 2020, March 19, 2020).

Students must book their space using their university email address to be eligible for free registration.

 

Session Outlines

• Session One: Interrogating ‘Mental Health’ and Illness

An introduction to Global Psychologies and ‘Ethnopsychiatries’ and the historical context of (Western Psychiatry and Psychology; with an overview of the misdiagnosis of Schizophrenia which led to it being classified as a ‘Black Disease’.

• Session Two: Race and Racial-Thinking in Psychiatry and Psychology

A critical discussion of Race and Race-thinking in Psychiatry and Psychology drawing upon current understandings of Institutional Racism.

• Session Three: Strategies to Reform Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology in the UK

A review of changes in the Legal and Governance Framework and Guiding Principles of the Mental Health Act to aid discussion of new approaches to Ethical Practice and Human Rights and strategies for reforming Psychiatry and Psychology in the UK.

• Session Four : Introducing Black Psychology and Black Therapy

An introduction to Black Psychology and Black Therapy; highlighting its historic origins and supporting theoretical frameworks and models for understanding the black experience.

• Session Five: System Push Back and Barriers to Change

Identifying approaches to developing mental health services, both in Western societies and ‘Worldwide’─ countries that were underdeveloped during colonialism, using the Sri Lankan plural experience an example.

• Session Six: Models of Black and African Centered Therapies

A detailed overview of models of Black and African Centered Therapies, including Cultural Misorientation and Identity Abandonment models; and its practical use in therapeutic settings.