New approaches to diversity in clinical work

The inclusion of diversity issues in clinical work has risen in the last years. With APA's multicultural guidelines and diversity courses becoming a requirement in doctoral programs, we see a concerted effort to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of diversity issues in clinical work. Yet, there is still much to do. In this issue of Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, seven authors conceptualize diversity from various therapeutic approaches, including relational cognitive behavior therapy, couples therapy, multicultural counseling, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. We learn how diversity and clinical work are not mutually exclusive regardless of the therapeutic approach used as long as the therapist is culturally sensitive and competent, and motivated to pursue such integration. We also learn that regardless of their commitment to social justice, and their understanding of the consequences of inequality and oppression on individuals' mental health, clinicians vary considerably in the extent to which they actively integrate diversity considerations in the treatment room. The authors in this issue present clinical vignettes describing how they have integrated diversity into their therapeutic work. Furthermore, they discuss how the process of addressing issues of diversity has impacted their work. Lastly, the authors offer recommendations from their experiences as clinicians.