Conversations about race and power are essential in the counseling profession, however, they can also be some of the most challenging moments for counselors-in-training. A new article by Dr. Philippa Chin, MS Program Director and Assistant Professor in Barry University’s Department of Counseling and School Psychology, and her co-researcher took a deep dive into how these conversations unfold and what they mean for the future of family therapy.

Their article, “Applying Critical Discourse Analysis to Broaching Behaviors and Racial Discourse During Family Therapy with Counselors in Training,” explores how racial dynamics emerge in discussions between families of color and counselors-in-training (CITs) when using broaching methods. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Fairclough’s analysis framework, they examined how power flows in racial conversations, paying particular attention to how language can either limit or expand dominant thought in a family therapy setting.

Beyond simply observing these dynamics, the authors offer a rich discussion of what their findings mean for the field. They also explore the implications for counselor education, clinical practice, and future research.

Dr. Chin’s work highlights the depth of scholarship that continues to happen at Barry and shows how faculty are influencing the counseling field in meaningful and socially impactful ways. For students and practitioners alike, this article is both an invitation and a challenge: to think critically about race, power, and the role of language in shaping the counseling experience.

To read the full article, click here.