Cultural Ruptures

Objective: Because therapy groups represent social microcosms, social dynamics from outside of the group play out in the context of the group, including those related to power, privilege, and oppression, like microaggressions. Left unaddressed, microaggressions have negative impacts on the health and well-being of the targets, perpetuate systemic inequity, and present a particularly destructive form in rupture to the group. The objective of this practice review is to help prepare group therapists to address the cultural ruptures known as microaggressions. Method: We first briefly review the literature on microaggressions, including those that occur in individual and group psychotherapy, to highlight the importance of addressing microaggressions when they occur. Next, we review the literature related to multicultural competence, multicultural orientation, difficult dialogues, and bystander intervention to suggest practice recommendations for addressing microaggressions in group therapy at the therapist and group levels. We also present a case example to illustrate these recommendations in practice. Results: Our practice recommendations highlight actionable ways for group therapists to proactively prepare to address microaggressions both before and outside of the group and in the here-and-now. Conclusions: Microaggressions are likely to occur in the social microcosm of the group and addressing microaggressions in groups is essential. Group leaders can proactively prepare themselves and the group to address microaggressions as they occur to minimize harm to the targets and the group-as-a-whole.