Psychotherapists as Nonviolent Protesters: Adapting Therapy Strategies for Systemic Change

This course is available through September 2027

Course Description:

Psychotherapists across the mental health professions have committed to dismantling systemic racism; however, strategies for achieving this goal are underdeveloped. This presentation examines how the methods and principles of nonviolent protest developed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the U.S. civil rights movement are similar to many of the skills already used by therapists and could therefore be adapted by psychotherapists to help address the problem of systemic racism.

CE: 1.0

Presenter: Kevin Tarlow, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology Dept, UAA

Kevin Tarlow, UAA Psychological Services Center

Dr. Tarlow received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Texas A&M University, Master of Arts and Master of Education in counseling from Columbia University, and doctorate in counseling psychology from Texas A&M University. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in telebehavioral health care at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Before moving to Alaska, Dr. Tarlow held a faculty position at Hampton University.

Dr. Tarlow’s research is currently focused on the following two questions: How can the histories of race, class, and capitalism inform the science and practice of psychology? How can telebehavioral health technology and policy increase health equity?

Learning Objectives

• Identify commitments made by the American Psychological Association and peer organizations to address systemic racism, a root cause of health inequality.
• Explain similarities between the nonviolent protest methods developed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the U.S. civil rights movement and common factors of psychotherapeutic change.
• Assess antiracist social action interventions using six principles of nonviolent protest.

Cancellation policies

• Refund request due to special circumstances will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Refunded fees may be applied to new membership dues or membership dues renewal.

Alaska Psychological Association (AK-PA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

AK-PA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.