National Psychology Training Consortium

Intermediate --- Builds upon the learner's foundational knowledge, familiarity with the literature and/or experience in a content area. Programming at this level includes more depth than at a beginning level program. It could also serve as a refresher course for individuals who have background in a content area and are interested in learning more contemporary applications.

Course Description and Target Audience

This four-hour virtual training explores the historical and contemporary influences of Eurocentric and colonial frameworks in mental health practice, particularly their impact on work with clients of color. Participants will be introduced to the principles of decolonization and culturally responsive practice, with a focus on clinician self-reflection, positionality, and ethical accountability. Through composite case studies and facilitated discussion, the training highlights how power, privilege, and dominant cultural norms can shape clinical assumptions, assessments, and interventions. Participants will engage in interactive exercises designed to identify areas for growth, recognize moments of misattunement, and explore opportunities for repair within the therapeutic relationship. The presentation emphasizes client-defined healing, as well as relational and contextual approaches to care. It highlights the importance of consultation and supervision when navigating cultural and systemic factors. This training aims to help clinicians develop reflective, ethically grounded practices across diverse clinical settings.

This presentation is intended for pre-doctoral psychology interns and is suitable for licensed psychologists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate-level trainees, and other mental health professionals who want to deepen their understanding of culturally responsive and decolonized clinical practice. The content is relevant for clinicians working in various settings who have foundational training in psychotherapy and ethics and are interested in examining how dominant cultural frameworks, power, and privilege influence clinical work with clients of color. The training emphasizes reflective practice, case-based learning, and ethical application, making it suitable for both early-career and experienced clinicians.

The content of this presentation is based on established psychological theories, multicultural and ethical practice guidelines, and peer-reviewed scholarship that examines the historical and ongoing impacts of imperial and colonial frameworks on mental health systems. The material is informed by empirical research in multicultural psychology, critical psychology, trauma studies, and supervision, as well as by interdisciplinary literature on power, privilege, and systemic oppression in clinical practice. This presentation accurately reflects current professional discourse regarding culturally responsive and decolonized approaches, while also acknowledging the limitations of traditionally Eurocentric evidence bases. The content is organized to progress from historical and theoretical foundations to applied, case-based examples that enhance clinical utility. The use of composite case materials and reflective exercises supports practical application while maintaining ethical standards and fidelity to evidence-informed practice.

The content of this presentation is constrained by the evolving nature of scholarship on decolonized therapeutic practice and the relative paucity of large-scale empirical studies within traditionally dominant research paradigms. While the training draws from peer-reviewed literature, ethical guidelines, and interdisciplinary sources, some decolonized approaches are primarily supported by qualitative research, community-based knowledge, and theoretical frameworks that may not align with conventional evidence hierarchies. Contradictory perspectives exist within the field, including research that emphasizes manualized, individual-focused, and symptom-based interventions as primary indicators of treatment efficacy. Additionally, this training does not provide comprehensive coverage of specific cultural groups or prescribe particular interventions, and it is not intended to replace specialized training or supervision. The case examples presented are illustrative and composite in nature and may not generalize across all clinical populations or settings.

Participation in this training may lead to emotional discomfort, defensiveness, or heightened self-awareness as participants reflect on issues of power, privilege, racial identity, and the limitations of dominant clinical frameworks. Discussions about systemic racism, colonial histories, and clients' experiences of marginalization may trigger stress or emotional responses, especially for participants with personal or professional experiences related to these topics. There is also a potential risk of misapplying concepts if decolonized approaches are understood as prescriptive techniques rather than reflective principles, or if participants attempt to implement practices beyond their training scope without appropriate supervision or consultation. To mitigate these risks, the training emphasizes ethical boundaries, the use of composite case material, reflective practice, and the importance of supervision and ongoing learning. No physical risks are associated with participation in this training.

The training intentionally centers on the perspectives and scholarship of individuals from historically marginalized communities. Peer-reviewed literature authored by scholars of color and those from other marginalized identities informs both the theoretical framework and practical examples presented, ensuring that participants engage with research grounded in lived experiences and culturally situated knowledge. Case studies and illustrative examples are drawn from the composite experiences of individuals reflecting diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds, while preserving client confidentiality. Participants are guided to critically examine how dominant cultural frameworks influence clinical assumptions and practices, with explicit attention to the intersection of multiple identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status. Anecdotal accounts and qualitative research highlight resilience, agency, and community-defined approaches to healing, helping participants integrate diversity not as a checklist but as a meaningful lens for reflecting on clinical decision-making. The presentation models culturally humble practice by acknowledging the limits of the presenter’s own positionality and emphasizing reflective engagement, consultation, and supervision when working with diverse populations.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe the historical and ongoing influence of Eurocentric and colonial frameworks on mental health theory and practice.
• Participants will be able to identify ways in which dominant cultural norms, power, and privilege shape clinical assumptions, assessment, and intervention in work with clients of color.
• Participants will be able to analyze composite case examples to recognize cultural misattunement and limitations in traditional clinical approaches.
• Participants will be able to apply principles of culturally responsive and decolonized practice to modify clinical conceptualization and intervention strategies.

Presenter Information

Dr. Heidi Bowden is a licensed therapist, clinical educator, and the Director of Clinical Training at Mind and Spirit Counseling Center. In this role, she designs and facilitates innovative learning experiences for emerging mental health professionals. Dr. Bowden has a doctoral degree in social work and a robust background in therapeutic practice. She specializes in inclusive, reflective pedagogy and experiential learning. Her presentations focus on real-world applications, emphasizing the development of professional identity, ethical practices, and a sense of belonging in clinical settings. She is especially passionate about mentoring novice clinicians and fostering collaborative, equity-centered learning environments.

Live Training Format

Attendance for this live training will be tracked by attendees completing the following tasks:

• Attend the live training in full and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• The Live CE Training Evaluation will be provided to all attendees. Please be sure to complete this evaluation in addition to attending the training.
• Downloading the CE Certificate.
   

CE Certificate

This course includes the materials required to obtain a CE Certificate. Your certificate will be made available to you upon completion of the training course. 

Questions or Concerns?

Contact [email protected] for assistance.

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.