A Training Model for Addressing Microaggressions in Group Psychotherapy

Culturally responsive group psychotherapists have an ethical obligation to respond to microaggressions; therefore, training in therapeutic approaches to microaggressions is necessary. This article describes the complex factors present when microaggressions occur in group psychotherapy and provides a training model that addresses barriers to microaggression responsiveness and facilitates complex skill building. The training model consists of didactic training, role-play and modeling, and an experiential fishbowl-style group exercise. It provides the rationale, parameters, and descriptions of each component to promote the training model. The model was well received at conferences of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, but more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.