Abstract
In Brazil, there is no systematic production of knowledge, methods or strategies for the clinical management of the impact of racism on the mental health of the black population. This is a relevant theoretical and practical gap because when the therapist doesn’t recognize racism as a producer of social inequities, prejudice and discrimination, he or she contributes to an increase in the psychological suffering of the black patient and to the maintenance of racial inequalities. In this article, we present the experience of clinical care through Functional Analytic Psychotherapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy of two self-declared black, female university students. In the analysis, general aspects of the clinical conduct that could help or elicit reflection among psychologists of diverse theoretical orientations were highlighted. This case report is presented in three parts: a) establishing rapport and the therapeutic alliance, b) identification of racism as a source of psychic suffering and c) results of the therapy. The main results refer to the patients: establishing a safe and healthy bond with their therapist, increasing their repertoire of social skills and self-esteem, and developing their capacity for self-compassion and self-care. It is recommended that the development of cultural sensitivity and cultural competence is established among mental health professionals to improve psychotherapy care offered to the black population.
Keywords
Racism; Mental Health; Behavior Analysis; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Brazilian Black Population