White, British and not so proud

I have been doing a lot of reading whilst training as a supervisor. One aspect of this has been to acknowledge that I am a white British upper middle class therapist who has become ever more aware of how I might present to you based on my voice and my image.

Like many White British people of old, I was taking the colour blindness approach denying difference but having read lots of books, including the book ‘Why I don’t talk to white people about Race’, watched 13th and Atlanta, I feel  more self-aware to see how important it is to be mindful and name difference and watch out for assumptions too.

Reading more can set off white shame and guilt for past history of the White British. I am keen to focus on how history shapes and informs myself and indeed has influenced the situation I find myself in.

I am now braver in the therapy room to name all aspects of difference and discuss it. I will be offering this to my clients and supervisees too when asking the stories of their supervisees.

I am ready to name who I am and wish to join this essential conversation.