Entries by Christine Schmidt

Why Racial Affinity Groups?

August 23, 2021 in , , /by

Affinity groups are developed in corporate and non-profit organizations to strengthen diversity and inclusivity efforts. They are homogenous support groups composed of people who share common interests or experiences (Indeed, n.d.).

In clinical and community settings, homogeneous affinity groups are similarly designed to offer a safe space for people to support each other in learning and healing situations. They foster interpersonal connections in pursuit of a broader unifying vision. While affinity groups may form around common needs or behaviors (e.g., single parenting, substance abuse, survivors of domestic violence), they also form around key identities (gender, sexual orientation, race) and offer a safe space for members to examine the elevation or subjugation associated with the social locations of their identities (Watt-Jones, 2010).

Whiteness Learning Group

August 19, 2019 in /by

Whiteness was historically constructed to justify white supremacy and discrimination. Its reproduction is both conscious and unconscious. The Whiteness Learning Group offers helping professionals opportunities to explore how this racial construct limits personal and professional connections. The group meets for 6 90-minute sessions. Participants examine situations that lead to race avoidance, fragility, guilt, entitlement, and […]

Sexuality, Racial Terrorism and the Presidential Election

October 10, 2016 in /by

Embed from Getty Images To understand the rallying potency of Trump’s behavior and the hatred unleashed against Clinton, consider the role of sexuality in the racial terrorism committed against Black people in the United States. In this presidential election, Hillary Clinton is particularly despised amongst white, non-college-educated men. This is the demographic that forms the base […]

Racial Literacy Consultation Group

July 21, 2016 in /by

Racial Literacy Consultation Groups: Professional Development for Helping Professionals Information about upcoming groups are available at Racial Literacy Groups. The Racial Literacy Consultation Group aims to strengthen helping professional’s capacity to understand and respond to racial dynamics. Internalized racial oppression, racialized sexual fantasies, racial identity concerns, colorism, privilege and disempowerment impact interpersonal connections. Being able […]

Group Psychotherapy Enhances Personal and Intimate Relationships

December 12, 2015 in /by

After treating Alice individually for a number of months, I said, “Alice, I’m inviting you to join my psychotherapy group. It would offer new ways to learn about your self. ” “I’m intrigued, Christine. How is it different from they way I’m working with you now?” “Well,” I continued, “first off, let’s consider that we’re […]

Psychotherapy, Racism, and Whiteness

September 18, 2015 in /by

Racism: the Legacy of Slavery I wanted to learn about the beginning of racism in this country. In August I visited the Whitney Plantation Slavery Museum near Wallace, Louisiana. It resides on the banks of the Mississippi River, nestled between active sugar plantations. The heat and humidity index was 105 degrees in the shade. I […]

Talking to your 4 year old about racism

September 14, 2015 in /by

and

with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. Race prejudice, a psychological experience, diminished but racism thrived in the structures and institutions of society.

The evidence for its existence are the racially
dichotomous systems of education – including funding formulas and tracking systems,
criminal justice that disproportionately targets and punishes black men,