The  Psychology Colloquium Series hosts Tarah Midy (Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center) discussing  Microaggressions in the Therapeutic Context on Oct. 21 from 12:55 to 1:50 p.m. via Teams .

T he hosts are Naquan Ross & Peggy Zoccola.

Presentation Objectives:  

• Define microaggression and understand the varying levels.
• Explore the psychological impact of microaggressions on socially marginalized groups.
• Discuss how microaggressions can affect the therapeutic process and the implications for clinical practice.

Presentation Summary: Most people associate discrimination with blatant and overt acts of unequal or unfair treatment. However, the nature and expression of discrimination has evolved into more subtle and ambiguous forms in recent times. The concept of microaggressions has been increasingly popular in recent years and this talk will provide an overview on how microaggressions can affect the therapeutic process. This talk will define microaggressions and describe the psychological impact on socially marginalized groups. It will also discuss how to address microaggressions in the therapeutic/healthcare provider-patient relationship, including how to make amends. Especially in the calls to be anti-racist and anti-discriminatory, it is important to look at our lives and be mindful of how our actions and words can impact others.