Читать книгу Antiracist Counseling in Schools and Communities - Группа авторов - Страница 12

As counselors, we have been trained to empathize, to give unconditional positive regard, and to embrace diverse perspectives. These are attributes of an effective counselor. At the same time, it is critical that we acknowledge the difficulty of our work, in particular as we embark on an antiracist journey. Reading this book might trigger intense emotions, including anxiety, fear, frustration, isolation, resentment, and self-blame. For Black and Brown counselors, discussing one’s experiences with racism is exhausting and may create feelings of isolation and despair. So I suggest that you breathe before beginning this book and take self-care breaks throughout your reading. Take care of yourself on this antiracist journey. Discuss the concepts with trusted colleagues and others who are on the same journey. Self-preservation and antiracist practice are intertwined and complementary. As Black feminist writer Audre Lorde (1988, p. 129) stated, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Breathe. Exhale.