Decolonizing Academia: Intersectionality, Participation, and Accountability in Family Therapy and Counseling

Abstract

In this paper we offer a framework for supporting decolonizing practices in family therapy and counseling that reflect values of human diversity, collaboration and participation, distributive justice, and self-determination. To this end, we propose a vision of social justice involving at least three foundational elements of professional development and organizational leadership: intersectionality, participation, and accountability. We include case examples throughout to illustrate our points and offer practical suggestions for decolonizing praxis in the academy. We conclude by revealing dilemmas we have encountered as a result of these efforts.