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As I delve into the audiobook of Decolonizing Therapy and prepare for the next episode of the book club with Dr. Jacinda Whitley, I find myself immersed in chapters one and two. This journey has been anything but smooth; it has been an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of profound insight and intense self-reflection.

Listening to chapter two, in particular, has triggered a series of strong emotional reactions. There have been several instances where I felt a tightness in my chest, a choked-up sensation, and even a surge of anger. My fists would instinctively want to clench, a physical manifestation of the inner turmoil I was experiencing.

As I sat with these overwhelming feelings, I began to understand their root cause. I felt extremely blamed, as though the author was pointing a finger directly at me, accusing me of being a terrible therapist who perpetuates colonizing practices. This realization brought a wave of defensiveness that was hard to shake off.

However, as I continued to listen, a shift started to occur. The author was not singling me out but was instead discussing the systemic nature of therapists operating within a colonized system. This perspective was both enlightening and liberating. It allowed me to see that the blame I felt was not personal but rather a reflection of the broader systemic issues at play.

This broader understanding helped to alleviate some of my defensive feelings. It made me more open to examining how, as a therapist, I might unintentionally perpetuate these practices. By tuning into my body and acknowledging my defensiveness, I could explore why I felt blamed and work through those feelings. This process helped me embrace a more systemic perspective.

This shift in perspective is crucial for cultural effectiveness training. It involves confronting cultural stimuli, staying attuned to our bodies and cognitive awareness, and responding with sensitivity and respect. The premise of the cultural effectiveness training model is precisely this: integrating our physical and cognitive responses to cultural issues to address them delicately and respectfully.

Decolonizing Therapy is a fascinating and eye-opening book. It is changing my life, page by page. However, the journey is not easy. My own experiences of being colonized and influenced by systemic factors provoke strong emotional reactions that I need to process to truly grasp the content. This journey is teaching me a lot, not just about my professional role but also about myself.

I am eager to discuss these insights further with Dr. Jacinda Whitley. Our conversations promise to be enriching, as we explore how this book is reshaping our perspectives and challenging long-held beliefs. As therapists and multicultural advocates, it is crucial to continually reassess our practices and beliefs, ensuring they align with the principles of decolonization and cultural sensitivity.

In this transformative process, I find myself rethinking my practices and perspectives. This book is not just altering my professional approach but also prompting profound personal growth. It is an incredible, transformative experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with such impactful material.