Counselling psychologists edit new book on social justice and psychological therapies 

Described as 'ethical, transformative and political', The Handbook of Social Justice in Psychological Therapies is edited, and features chapters, by counselling psychologists Professor Divine Charura and Laura Anne Winter. 

Both editors have over a decade of experience in counselling psychology practice and academia. Divine is Professor of Counselling Psychology at York University, previously led the counselling and psychotherapy course at Leeds Beckett, and has held clinical roles in the NHS, private and charity sector. 

Laura is a Reader in Education and Counselling Psychology at Manchester Institute of Education and is the School of Environment, Education and Development Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She has published extensively on how social justice, politics, and activism can be applied to therapeutic practices.  

Divine and Laura have both personal and academic interests in social justice and in a recent article for The Psychologist, they explain how these values interconnect with their counselling psychology roles. Having experienced and witnessed racism in his own life, Divine explains that we need to address racism in psychological therapies if our practices are going to be fit to support diverse communities. 

Reflecting on her own work on social justice issues, Laura explains that, as someone who has 'personally benefited from others' oppression' she works to shift her approach to her social justice work to one of 'humility'. This means being honest, accountable and commit to ongoing reflection. 

Their book covers a wealth of social justice issues including how social justice informed therapy can be used to support those who are from a minority ethnic background, have disabilities, are neurodiverse, are asylum seekers or refugees. 

You can find out more about The Handbook of Social Justice in Psychological Therapies.