by Dr. Melissa Kennedy
1) APA mandated competency of health service psych – ICD:
The strengths of the competency are that it offers insight into the lived experiences of clients/patients and offers some glimpses of the Coloniality of Being. However, the current literature and perspectives do not consider the Coloniality of Power and the “dark side” (Mignolo) of Coloniality/Modernity. The lack of awareness of the impact of hegemony, the biases and lack of understanding of the Coloniality of Knowledge hinders the effectiveness and impact on BIPOC and the ability to reach the potential of the field.
2) Current understanding of our competency:
To move beyond the ICD competency to a true knowledge and awareness of Social Justice. This lens of social justice challenges our students to understand mainstream psychology, but to also grasp and explore the fringe psychologies (Liberation, Feminist, Indigenous, Critical, Culture). The expansion of this knowledge, from a stance of openness, curiosity, and humility both challenges and enriches our students. Through the study of this decolonial view, our students are able to move beyond allyship to true coalition and the growing edge of societal change.
3) ICD competency & Social Justice interaction:
See #1.
The Social Justice addition moves the ICD competency beyond its limitations. It brings understanding of the impact of the true lack of subjectivity, the limitations of research and its inherent shortcomings, and a vital sense of humility to future clinicians.
4) Lens of ICD competency – current state of clinical psych
Pompous, arrogant, blinded, misogynistic, hypocritical, ineffective (except for those with high status and privilege). Crippled by constraints of colonial views, which by definition are not seen by those holding privilege without effort, humility, and awareness. Unaware of its own shortcomings.
5) Lens of SJ competency – current state of clinical psych
Fringe and marginalized groups seeking to step outside of the hegemonic restrictions of mainstream psychology. Unfortunately, these groups are somewhat siloed and need further integration. Similarly, the desire to interface and incorporate other disciplines – sociology, cultural, comparative literatures/humanities – into the changes that need to happen.
6) How needs to change –
#1) Awareness without fear. Self-awareness, confrontation of biases, seeking of humility and curiosity of others lived experiences.
#2) Major revision of research – recognition of the impact of WEIRD research and our proclamations that we, Western privileged individuals speak for humanity.
#3) Generativity – the active seeking and inclusion of BIPOC students and students committed to social justice and change into grad programs and the education of these students in the melding of ICD and SJ.
