In response to the racist violence that we saw on the streets of towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland in the summer of 2024, we released a statement condemning the violence and reiterating our commitment to our inclusive and anti-racist stance that reflects the integrity of the counselling professions. We wanted to feature the voices of our members and their response as therapists, service leaders and members of their communities, along with reflections on the role of the counselling professions in combatting racism.

We’re grateful to our panel for contributing to this important conversation. The discussion includes issues of racial trauma, racism and racist violence, so please be aware of this and consider your own self-care and wellbeing before viewing. If you’ve been impacted by the topics raised in this discussion, you can find more information about support available on our website by searching our BACP useful links web page.


Roundtable discussion topics

We recognise this roundtable discussion won’t solve the problems and challenges that arise from racism. However, we wanted to create a space to have these conversations, reflections and to share perspectives. We hope this will inspire further discussions, exploration and learning as we move forward. There’s a lot of work to be done and we’re keen to continue these conversations and will be hosting a member event in the Spring of 2025 which will further develop and explore the issues addressed today.

Topics that are covered in this video include: 

  • the challenges for the counselling professions in response to racism
  • signposting to resources, networks and opportunities for members to inform their practice
  • the lessons to take from recent events
  • calls for action and hopes for the future

The aims of this roundtable discussion are: 

  • to understand the impact of the racist violence on our members, their clients and communities
  • to share the recording with our wider membership on the website and in communications
  • to encourage further discussion and exploration of racism, racial trauma and anti-racism and BACP’s role in encouraging discussion and action

You’re invited to share your thoughts and responses in the BACP EDI roundtable discussion feedback survey that accompanies this recording to help understand what more we need to do and if you’ve found this helpful.

EDI roundtable discussion participants

Host, Aseia Rafique - BACP EDI Lead
Myira Khan - Muslim Counsellor and psychotherapist network
Erin Stevens - therapist, supervisor, writer and trainer
Paul Finnegan - Lighthouse Charity Belfast
Danielle Bridge - Black Minds Matter UK
Suzanna Storey - BACP member
Baffour Ababio - Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy

Please read the bio's from our EDI roundtable discussion participants (PDF 199KB) and EDI roundtable discussion participants (Word 93KB). 

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