What is liberation psychology and what is liberation-based therapy?
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Originating from the works of psychologists like Ignacio Martín-Baró and Paulo Freire, liberation psychology emerged as a response to oppressive political regimes and social injustices occurring in Latin-American during the 1970s. It was a time when many Latin American countries were ruled by authoritarian regimes, and people faced persecution and marginalization for expressing dissenting views or advocating for social change. Against this backdrop, psychologists recognized the urgent need to address not just individual mental health issues but also the broader social and political factors contributing to widespread suffering and oppression. This practice offers a unique perspective on healing—one that prioritizes empowerment, cultural relevance, and the interconnectedness of personal and societal well-being.
Influenced by liberation theology and critical social theory, liberation psychology sought to challenge dominant power structures and empower marginalized communities. It emphasized the importance of understanding the social and historical context in which individuals lived, recognizing that personal struggles were often deeply intertwined with larger systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, colonialism, and economic exploitation. At its core, liberation psychology is guided by values that emphasize social justice, equity, and human dignity. Unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses solely on individual pathology, liberation psychology recognizes the systemic nature of oppression giving individuals a chance to confront and transform oppressive conditions, fostering a sense of agency and collective action.
Liberation-based therapy is grounded in the principles of liberation psychology and the liberation health model of social work practice. The liberation health model of social work puts ‘people in context’. Liberation-based therapy extends these ideological approaches by acknowledging the positional power held by the therapist. It combines relational theory, as well as, use of self. Central to the relational therapy approach is the idea that we are shaped by our social world and relationships. The "use of self" refers to therapists harnessing their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences to facilitate healing and build rapport with clients. This approach emphasizes authenticity, with therapists encouraged to be genuine in their interactions. By drawing on their emotional repertoire, therapists offer empathy and validation to clients, fostering a deeper connection. Self-disclosure, when used judiciously, can normalize clients' experiences, and strengthen the therapeutic bond. However, maintaining clear boundaries is crucial to ensure the focus remains on the client's needs. This is a critical part of the work. Liberation-based therapists also leverage their cultural background to understand clients from diverse backgrounds and cultivate a therapeutic presence that fosters trust and attunement. Regular self-reflection and supervision help therapists navigate their biases and hopefully will enhance their effectiveness.
Through dialogue and reflection in therapy, sessions have aspects of engaging in critical consciousness-raising and self-reflection. Within a process of healing, becoming aware of the ways in which oppressive systems operate in their lives and how one is impacted in the way one might think/feel about themselves. Central to liberation-based therapy is critical reflection, which is also very emotional. This process encourages people to understand the ways in which social structures shape their lives in the hopes to foster self-determination, autonomy, release of shame and other socially normative conceptions of self.
What sets liberation-based therapy apart is that it’s an emotionally active-oriented approach, that can be used with other modalities to enhance one’s healing/growth. By centering the values of social justice, empowerment, and collective liberation, individuals can embark on a journey of personal and collective transformation.
Written by Tanisha Christie, LCSW (she/her)
Tanisha Christie, LCSW (she/her) is the Founder and Practice Director who champions the liberation of individuals through the acknowledgement and affirmation of their stories. With a collaborative, holistic, and directive approach, Tanisha guides clients toward healing. Her extensive experience includes roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, the Ackerman Institute for the family and private practices, offering specialized expertise in polyamorous and couple relationships, executive coaching, and clinical supervision.