Providing Antiracist Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy | Transforming Therapy for Racialized Individuals

In a recent study, Professors Jude Mary Cénat, Monnica Williams and their colleague Angela Haeny (Yale University) developed comprehensive guidelines for providing antiracist cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This research addresses critical gaps in traditional CBT approaches, offering clinicians practical tools to better serve racialized individuals. Professors Cénat and Williams bring their expertise to this innovative work, showcasing the Faculty of Social Sciences research at its finest.

Professor Jude Mary Cénat, an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at uOttawa’s Faculty of Social Sciences, is a leading figure in Black community mental health in Canada focusing on racial disparities in health and social services. As the Director of the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience & Culture (V-TRaC) Research Laboratory at the Faculty of Social Sciences, and director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, Professor Cénat conducts research across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. His work explores racial disparities in mental health services, the impact of natural disasters and disease outbreaks on mental health, and global mental health issues. Professor Cénat's expertise in cultural factors and mental health makes him one of the most influential professors at the Faculty, particularly in addressing the needs of Black communities in Canada.

Professor Monnica Williams, clinical psychologist and Professor at the Faculty of Social Science in the School of Psychology, specializes in the mental health of racialized communities and psychopathology research. With over 200 scientific publications focusing on these issues, Professor Williams has made significant contributions to the field. Her research, supported by federal, local, and foundation grants, aims to address mental health disparities and improve understanding of cultural factors in psychological disorders. Williams' expertise is further demonstrated through her co-founding of the International OCD Foundation's Diversity Advisory Board and service on several academic journal editorial boards. Her academic journey, which includes positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Louisville, and University of Connecticut, has culminated in her current role at the University of Ottawa as Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities, where she continues to advance knowledge in critical areas of mental health research as Director of the Laboratory for Culture & Mental Health Disparities and the Laboratory for Psychedelic Clinical Research.

The study, "Providing Antiracist Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Guidelines, tools, and tips" represents a significant advancement in CBT practice. Professor Cénat and Williams have identified crucial gaps in traditional CBT approaches when addressing racial issues affecting racialized patients' mental health. The research proposes clear, applicable guidelines for clinicians to provide anti-racist CBT interventions, covering clinical self-development, redesigning the CBT theoretical framework, and offering practical tools for implementation.

A key innovation in this research is the redefinition of the CBT model. As Professor Cénat explains, "The most important aspect is the redefinition of the CBT model itself, integrating the three elements: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, along with a fourth element: the environment." This addition acknowledges the pervasive effects of racism on mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being of racialized individuals. The study's approach provides clinicians with a model that addresses the real needs of racialized individuals, ultimately benefiting all patients.

This research has far-reaching implications for mental health practice and policy. By addressing the limitations of traditional CBT in serving racialized populations, Professor Cénat and Wiiliam's work contributes significantly to the field of social sciences knowledge mobilization. The guidelines and tools developed in this study have the potential to transform CBT practice, increase confidence of racialized individuals in mental health care, and ultimately help decolonize CBT interventions.

The impact of this research extends beyond clinical practice, addressing important societal issues related to racial disparities in mental health care. By providing a framework for antiracist CBT, this paper contributes to the broader goal of creating more equitable and effective mental health services. This work exemplifies the Faculty’s research impact, demonstrating how academic work can directly influence clinical practice and improve outcomes for marginalized communities.

Learn more about Professor Cénat and Williams's research and its implications for mental health practice on Collabzium. Explore other innovative social sciences research and discover how research at the School of Psychology addresses critical societal challenges.