WSPA firmly condemns the hatred, racism, antisemitism, and violence displayed at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. There are many disturbing aspects of that day, not least of which was the stark difference in how peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors were treated in the very same location this past summer, a potent example of ongoing inequity in our society and the lethal consequences those inequities can have for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
As practitioners of mental health, we are called to help our clients, patients, and communities process these events. Each of the general principles of our ethics code speaks to how psychologists must rise to this occasion. First, nonmaleficence by not contributing to this violence ourselves is of course necessary but wholly insufficient; beneficence requires that we work for the good of all people in our spheres of influence, especially those who are marginalized. Fidelity and responsibility dictate that we honor public trust in our profession by conveying decades of clinical science and practice that have made clear that personal and societal destruction follows injustice. Integrity demands that our work must be consistently infused with that clarity, regardless of the influence current political chaos exerts on how truth is conveyed. Finally, psychologists who are just and respectful of people’s rights and dignities in the quiet space of their offices but not outside of it will fail to meet the needs of people who must leave those offices at sessions’ ends to re-enter unjust, disrespectful, and frankly unsafe places. To be an ethical psychologist requires being an ethical citizen and human being.
For all of us who are hurting, we urge you to model self-care to those around you. Especially since further violence is likely, we hope you give yourself permission to be the change you need in the world right now. You can determine how much to get involved to make the changes you hope for in order to move toward a less broken world. You are able to give yourself permission to seek support and take time when you need it, because all humans are worthy of such care, and also so that you can be there for your loved ones and patients as well.
We demand justice, equity, and accountability, and will work tirelessly to those ends.
In solidarity,
WSPA Board of Trustees
WSPA Good Trouble Committee
Resources:
- WSPA’s Good Trouble Diversity & Equity Resources.
- The Good Trouble Committee is always open to interested members.
- Despite political upheaval and new vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Interested members are also always welcome to join our Disaster Relief Network (DRN) or contact the WSPA office about joining the DRN Pro Bono group of psychologists offering brief, free therapy to frontline and essential workers.