It’s hard to escape racism. Whatever a person’s colour or ethnicity, it’s easy for most of us to believe that a person of another background is different to oneself.
Stereotypes are embedded in society, for example in films, news media, advertising and folklore, and we are all vulnerable to external ideas about race and culture. While racism is endemic in most societies, it is most noticeable when we see the damage it can do to individuals or groups.
The more vulnerable a person is to race-based maltreatment, the more likely a person will be aware of their own difference. A white person in the UK is unlikely to consider what it means to be white, while a black person may be constantly aware of what it means to be black.
Talking about racism and difference can be uncomfortable. For many people, it is a visceral, very emotional topic. But it is important to talk about it as a society, since we can’t hope to change it if we don’t discuss it.
It is also valuable to discuss racism and difference in therapy. Experiencing racism is horrendous, yet for too many people it is a common occurrence. Being discriminated against on the basis of your skin colour or any other difference is likely to bring up various emotions, such as anger, hopelessness, frustration and sadness. If it happens regularly, some people suppress those emotions because it feels too much to deal with them all the time.
In therapy you can talk about how discrimination has affected you and gradually release the emotions that have been bottled up over the years. It can feel liberating to be heard and understood as you work through the pent-up feelings.
Therapy is not about getting okay with racism. Your anger is justified and a good therapist won’t try to take that away from you. It’s about hearing you and supporting you to be powerful and authentic in spite of the discrimination you face.
Appointments available
Mondays to Fridays
7.30 am until 8.30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays
8.00 am until 6.00 pm
Call to book a first appointment
0333 207 9330
Connect with Us
Therapy is often seen as something white people do. We want to challenge that. We seek diversity in our recruitment and have provided further training for our therapists on working with race and difference.
Some clients prefer to work with a therapist who looks like them and is likely to have experienced similar discrimination. Others are happy to work with someone who is more different from them, and actually it can be very powerful to work with the differences between client and therapist. Either way is fine – what is important is for you to work with someone you feel comfortable opening up to. You can read a little about each of our therapists here.
If race and difference is an issue in your relationship, you may like to see one of our couples therapists. You can find out more about couples therapy here.
Your first appointment can be booked online or by calling us. It is an opportunity to find out if therapy is right for you and to decide whether you wish to continue with your chosen counsellor. They will be happy to refer you to a colleague if the fit doesn’t feel right.
I’m often struck by the anxiety that I see on the faces of clients when they come to their first couples counselling appointment. They are invariably wondering what’s going to happen. Will they have to reveal things they don’t want to say in front of their partner? Will their…
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When I trained as a psychotherapist, me and my fellow students were given the assignment of doing something we’d never done before. The course tutors wanted us to get in touch with how scary it can be to do something new, to feel the fear of the unknown. I chose to …
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Melinda is an integrative therapist, offering a tailored approach to suit each client’s individual requirements She brings to her practice an understanding of high‑pressure environments shaped by her 20‑year career in the financial sector Melinda’s clients find her calm, compassionate and thoughtful approach to be transformative As therapy progresses,...
Oxford Circus
Annabel is an integrative therapist offering both short- and long-term therapy Acknowledging that beginning therapy can feel daunting, Annabel establishes a secure and collaborative therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, empathy and genuine understanding Working from a humanistic-integrative perspective, Annabel believes every person has an innate capacity for...
Oxford Circus
A senior therapist, Stamatia has been with One Therapy London for many years She holds a doctorate in counselling psychology and is a registered psychotherapist Stamatia knows it can be difficult to understand or cope with the strong feelings that life’s experiences can sometimes bring Talking with an experienced therapist is a way of thinking things through and...
Bloomsbury
Yussef offers a warm and confidential space to explore life’s challenges He is a psychodynamic therapist and works in a way that explores how past experiences and hidden patterns may shape your present thoughts, feelings and relationships In meetings with Yussef, you can speak freely about whatever feelings, memories or experiences are important to you You will begin...
Oxford Circus
As a psychodynamic therapist Shelley brings a wealth of experience to her work and supports her patients to talk about those aspects of their lives they are finding painful, upsetting or difficult to deal with, in a confidential, non-judgmental and peaceful setting Shelley is particularly interested in working with those who are experiencing depression, bereavement, high...
Bloomsbury
Asma is a Counselling Psychologist with a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, a Master’s degree in Psychological Therapies, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology She offers psychodynamic, humanistic, and integrative therapies to individuals and couples, tailoring her approach to each person’s needs and preferences Sessions may be short or long term, depending on...
Kensington / Notting Hill
Catherine offers a safe, confidential space for clients bringing a wide range of issues to therapy These include anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anger and work-related stress Catherine also supports clients experiencing depression, bereavement and life transitions Among her specialist interests are post-traumatic growth and working with adult...
Oxford Circus
Tom is a popular and approachable psychotherapist who has extensive experience working with people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds He brings a wealth of life experience, training and understanding to his work, offering help with depression, trauma, anxiety, abuse, sexual problems, addiction, relationship difficulties and many of the other obstacles life...
Oxford Circus
Natasha is a person–centred counsellor and psychotherapist who will provide you with a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space to explore any thoughts or concerns you wish to bring She works with a range of issues including anxiety, stress, critical thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, identity, depression, loss and low self-esteem Natasha offers a...
Oxford Circus
Geraldine (she/her) is a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples in a couple or polyamorous relationship Geraldine’s style of therapy is to work collaboratively and at the client’s pace It is always difficult to make the decision to begin therapy but Geraldine works together with her clients to address any issues that may...
Oxford Circus
