Book Review: Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice by Jennifer Mullan

Introduction

In Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice, Jennifer Mullan, a clinical psychologist and founder of Decolonizing Therapy, offers a powerful exploration of how systemic oppression, historical trauma, and the politicization of therapy intersect. As therapists who are neurodivergent, trans, and queer—Audrey Wolfe, RCC, and myself, Clayre Sessoms, RP, RCT, RCC, RCAT, CCC, ATR-BC—we find this book to be an essential read. It not only validates our experiences and those of our clients but also serves as a critical guide for integrating anti-oppressive, trauma-informed practices into our therapeutic work.

We know firsthand the complexities and challenges that arise in therapy when traditional models, rooted in colonial frameworks, fail to account for the lived realities of marginalized communities. Too often, these models overlook the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and neurodivergence, and in doing so, they risk perpetuating harm. As queer and trans therapists, our work is inherently political. We constantly navigate the delicate balance of holding space for our clients’ healing while also challenging the broader oppressive systems that impact their well-being. Jennifer Mullan’s book speaks directly to this intersection, providing a framework for decolonizing our practices in ways that are deeply aligned with our values.

At our online therapy practice, where accessibility and inclusivity are core to what we do, Decolonizing Therapy is more than just a text; it is a call to action. Mullan’s work urges us, as therapists, to critically examine how our approaches might unconsciously support systemic violence and to actively engage in practices that promote liberation and justice. We strive to create spaces where our clients feel seen, heard, and validated in their whole selves, particularly those whose identities are shaped by ongoing experiences of marginalization. This book helps us to deepen that commitment, offering tools and perspectives that push us beyond surface-level inclusivity to a more profound, systemic change.

For us, as queer, trans, and neurodivergent practitioners, Mullan’s work resonates deeply. It speaks to the need to challenge the status quo in therapy—not just in terms of technique, but in how we conceptualize healing itself. By naming therapy as a site where systemic oppression can either be perpetuated or dismantled, Mullan empowers us to embrace our roles not only as healers but also as advocates and activists. She pushes us to think critically about the ways in which our practices can be leveraged to support systemic change and collective healing.

The relevance of Decolonizing Therapy is particularly significant for those of us practicing in Canada, where the legacies of colonialism continue to impact Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. In a Canadian context, Mullan’s work challenges us to be acutely aware of these dynamics and to understand that therapy does not exist in a vacuum. It is interwoven with the socio-political environment, which must be actively engaged with to foster true healing. This is a perspective we deeply appreciate and one that we continuously strive to integrate into our work.

Ultimately, Decolonizing Therapy serves as a crucial resource for therapists like us who are committed to anti-oppressive, justice-oriented practice. It offers both validation and a roadmap for transforming therapy into a practice that is genuinely aligned with liberation and equity. As we continue to navigate our own journeys as therapists committed to decolonization, Mullan’s book is both a guide and a powerful reminder of the work that remains to be done.

Overview of the Book

Mullan’s Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice offers a groundbreaking and necessary critique of conventional therapeutic practices, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the deep-seated impacts of colonialism and systemic oppression on mental health. The book is structured in a way that invites both new and experienced therapists into a dialogue about the need for decolonizing their work, urging them to become more aware of the socio-political dimensions that influence their practice and the well-being of their clients.

The book is organized into several distinct sections, each of which delves into different facets of decolonizing therapeutic practice. Mullan begins by laying the foundation with a historical overview of colonial violence and its lasting effects on marginalized communities. This context is crucial for understanding how systemic oppression is not just a backdrop but an active force shaping the mental health landscape today. She asserts that, to effectively serve Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (BIPOC) clients, therapists must move beyond a superficial understanding of these issues and engage in a deep reckoning with how these histories continue to impact present-day realities.

In subsequent sections, Mullan dives into the concept of historical trauma—how it is passed down through generations and how it manifests in the bodies, minds, and spirits of individuals and communities. She provides a nuanced exploration of how unresolved grief, fear, and pain related to historical injustices remain embodied within marginalized groups, influencing their daily lives and mental health (Mullan, 2021, p. 72). This framing is vital for therapists who wish to engage in more effective and empathetic care, as it shifts the focus from pathologizing individual symptoms to recognizing broader systemic causes.

Another core theme in the book is the politicization of therapy. Mullan argues that therapy, traditionally viewed as a neutral or apolitical space, must instead be understood as inherently political. She critiques the notion that therapy can be effective without acknowledging the power dynamics and social inequities that shape clients’ experiences. To illustrate this, she discusses how certain therapeutic models and interventions may unconsciously reinforce systems of oppression by pathologizing responses to trauma that are, in fact, deeply connected to survival in oppressive contexts (Mullan, 2021, p. 118). This politicization is not about introducing partisan views into therapy but about recognizing that the personal is always political—particularly when it comes to healing from trauma that is rooted in systemic violence.

Mullan also emphasizes the need for therapists to examine their own roles in perpetuating harm, whether intentionally or unintentionally. She encourages therapists to engage in ongoing self-reflection, recognizing their privileges and biases, and to actively work toward becoming accomplices in the fight against oppression rather than mere allies. This process involves a radical accountability—acknowledging that traditional therapy often reinforces white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism, and that there must be an active commitment to unlearning and challenging these structures within therapeutic spaces (Mullan, 2021, p. 153).

Throughout the book, Mullan provides practical strategies and interventions for integrating decolonizing principles into therapeutic practice. These include community-centered approaches, recognizing and honouring Indigenous and ancestral healing practices, and promoting collective healing rather than solely focusing on individual pathology. She advocates for the integration of culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that are attuned to the specific needs of BIPOC communities and other marginalized groups.

In addition to offering these tools, Mullan’s writing is infused with her personal experiences and reflections as a therapist and activist. This narrative style creates a sense of relatability and authenticity, which can be particularly powerful for therapists who are new to these concepts and may feel unsure about how to begin this work. Mullan does not shy away from addressing the discomfort that often accompanies the process of unlearning and decolonizing, but instead, she frames this discomfort as a necessary part of growth and transformation.

Ultimately, Decolonizing Therapy is a call to action for therapists to critically examine and transform their practices. It challenges them to not only address personal and intergenerational trauma but also to recognize and dismantle the ways in which therapy itself has been complicit in perpetuating harm. For those of us in the mental health field who are committed to justice and equity, Mullan’s work serves as both a guide and an invitation to join a broader movement towards healing and liberation.

Key Concepts Covered in the Book

Jennifer Mullan’s Decolonizing Therapy delves deeply into several key concepts that are crucial for therapists and mental health practitioners committed to anti-oppressive practice. The book challenges conventional frameworks in therapy and offers new perspectives on how mental health professionals can engage with their clients in ways that are more responsive, socially conscious, and justice-oriented. Below are some of the core concepts that Mullan explores, each providing a vital roadmap for transforming therapeutic practice:

1. Historical Trauma and Collective Healing: Mullan introduces the concept of historical trauma as a critical lens through which to understand the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities. She describes historical trauma as the cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over a lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma experiences (Mullan, 2021, p. 57). For example, the unresolved grief stemming from colonial violence continues to affect Indigenous communities today, manifesting in various forms of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Mullan argues that conventional therapy models, which often focus on individual pathology, are insufficient for addressing these collective wounds. Instead, she provides actionable strategies for practitioners to support collective healing by acknowledging these legacies and integrating practices that validate and honour the historical context of their clients’ experiences. This includes understanding the intergenerational transmission of trauma and adopting a more culturally sensitive and community-centred approach to therapy that promotes communal resilience and recovery.

2. Politicizing the Practice of Therapy: A central argument in Mullan’s book is that therapy should not—and cannot—remain a neutral practice. She critiques the traditional view that therapy is a politically neutral space, emphasizing that neutrality often translates into complicity with oppressive systems. Mullan contends that therapists must actively politicize their practices to challenge and dismantle these systems. She critiques the dominant paradigms in therapy that uphold white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism, which often pathologize the natural responses of marginalized people to systemic violence (Mullan, 2021, p. 103). For Mullan, politicizing therapy involves recognizing that therapeutic work is deeply intertwined with broader socio-political issues and that true healing cannot occur without addressing the systemic injustices that contribute to psychological distress. She encourages therapists to use their platforms to advocate for social justice, support movements for equity, and help clients navigate and resist the systemic structures that harm them.

3. Therapist Accountability and Growth: Mullan underscores the importance of self-reflection and accountability in the practice of decolonizing therapy. She emphasizes that therapists must engage in ongoing learning about power, privilege, and oppression to understand how these dynamics influence both their clients’ experiences and their own roles as mental health professionals (Mullan, 2021, p. 145). This involves a commitment to lifelong learning, humility, and the willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Mullan calls on therapists to move beyond performative allyship and to become genuine accomplices who use their privilege to dismantle oppressive systems within their therapeutic work and broader communities. She provides practical exercises and reflective prompts to help therapists identify their biases, examine their complicity in maintaining oppressive structures, and cultivate practices that are genuinely liberatory and equitable.

4. Honouring Indigenous and Ancestral Healing Practices: Mullan also highlights the significance of integrating Indigenous and ancestral healing practices into contemporary therapeutic settings. She argues that Western models of therapy, often based on individualism and Eurocentric ideals, can inadvertently invalidate the cultural and spiritual practices of BIPOC communities. By honouring Indigenous and ancestral healing practices—such as communal rituals, storytelling, and land-based healing—therapists can foster a more inclusive and holistic approach that respects the cultural sovereignty of their clients. Mullan encourages therapists to collaborate with traditional healers and to advocate for the decolonization of mental health care, ensuring that clients have access to culturally relevant and affirming resources.

5. Reimagining Safety and Trust in Therapeutic Spaces: Mullan challenges therapists to rethink what safety and trust mean in therapeutic spaces, particularly for clients from marginalized backgrounds. She argues that traditional notions of safety, often defined by white, cisgender, heterosexual norms, may not resonate with clients who have experienced systemic violence or oppression. Instead, she proposes a more nuanced understanding of safety that includes emotional, cultural, and spiritual safety. This involves creating therapeutic environments where clients feel empowered to bring their whole selves into the room without fear of judgment or re-traumatization. Mullan provides guidance on how therapists can build trust by being transparent about their own positionality, engaging in open dialogue about power dynamics, and actively working to dismantle barriers that prevent genuine connection.

6. Embodying Radical Compassion and Liberation: Finally, Mullan introduces the concept of “radical compassion” as a foundational practice for decolonizing therapy. She describes radical compassion as the ability to hold space for both the pain and resilience of marginalized communities while actively engaging in the fight for liberation (Mullan, 2021, p. 201). This involves seeing clients not just as individuals seeking relief from psychological symptoms, but as whole beings whose experiences are shaped by intersecting systems of power and oppression. Radical compassion, as Mullan defines it, requires therapists to move beyond empathy and into action—challenging systemic inequities and supporting clients in their paths toward healing and empowerment.

Each of these key concepts provides a critical foundation for therapists who are committed to engaging in anti-oppressive, decolonizing work. By offering both theoretical frameworks and practical tools, Mullan equips mental health practitioners with the resources needed to create more just, equitable, and healing-centred practices. For those of us in the field, Decolonizing Therapy is not just an academic text; it is a guide to revolutionizing our work and our communities.

How This Book Stands Out

What sets Decolonizing Therapy apart from other works on trauma and mental health is its unapologetic approach to confronting the colonial underpinnings of mental health practices. Jennifer Mullan does not shy away from naming the ways in which traditional therapy has often been complicit in maintaining systemic oppression, particularly through practices rooted in colonial, Eurocentric frameworks. Unlike many texts that may provide a more sanitized, academic, or theoretical perspective on trauma, Mullan’s writing is both deeply personal and powerfully grounded in real-world activism and social justice. This combination of scholarly insight and lived experience makes the book accessible, urgent, and transformative.

Mullan’s work is infused with her own experiences as a queer, woman of colour therapist navigating the intersections of systemic oppression and personal healing. She shares stories from her own practice and activism, highlighting both the successes and the challenges she has faced in her journey to decolonize her work. This narrative style not only brings authenticity to her writing but also creates a sense of solidarity with readers who may themselves be grappling with similar issues in their own practices or lives. For therapists like Audrey and myself, who are also working to dismantle oppressive systems within our therapeutic spaces, Mullan’s candid reflections provide both validation and inspiration. Her approach is a reminder that decolonization is not a one-time task but a continuous, evolving process that requires ongoing reflection, learning, and unlearning.

What makes this book particularly unique is how Mullan bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and actionable strategies. She provides concrete steps for therapists who are committed to decolonizing their practices and actively engaging in anti-oppressive work. This practical focus is often missing from other texts on the subject, which may stop short at critiquing existing systems without offering tangible ways to implement change. Mullan’s book is a toolkit for transformation, offering exercises, reflective prompts, and specific interventions that therapists can use to start making meaningful changes in their practice immediately.

The book is also a call to action for therapists who wish to engage in meaningful, transformative work that challenges the status quo. Mullan does not simply critique existing models; she encourages therapists to actively disrupt and dismantle them. Her work is an invitation for therapists to take risks, to speak out against systemic inequities, and to use their positions of power to advocate for broader social change. This is particularly compelling for therapists who are looking to move beyond traditional approaches and into a more radical, justice-oriented framework. Mullan’s writing challenges us to reconsider the very foundations of our practice and to envision new ways of being that prioritize collective liberation over individual pathology.

For Canadian therapists and clients, Decolonizing Therapy offers a contextually relevant lens, especially when considering Canada’s history of colonial violence against Indigenous peoples. Mullan’s work resonates deeply in the Canadian context, where the legacies of residential schools, land dispossession, and cultural genocide continue to impact Indigenous communities today. She emphasizes that for therapy to be truly effective, it must address these historical and ongoing injustices. This perspective is crucial for Canadian therapists who must navigate these complex dynamics in their work. Mullan encourages therapists in Canada to not only acknowledge this history but to actively work towards healing the wounds of colonial violence by advocating for reparations, supporting Indigenous sovereignty, and incorporating Indigenous healing practices into their work.

Moreover, Mullan’s approach goes beyond cultural competence or sensitivity, pushing for a more profound engagement with the political dimensions of therapy. She critiques the often well-intentioned but ultimately superficial efforts at cultural inclusivity that do not challenge the underlying power structures at play. By contrast, Decolonizing Therapy calls for a radical reimagining of therapy as a practice that is deeply intertwined with social justice movements. This positions therapists not merely as neutral facilitators of individual healing but as active participants in the struggle for equity and liberation.

The book’s emphasis on the therapist’s role as both a healer and an advocate for systemic change is particularly compelling. It offers a pathway for therapists who feel called to go beyond their offices and into their communities, using their skills to support broader movements for justice. Mullan’s insistence that therapy must be both a personal and political act resonates with those of us who believe that healing is not just about addressing symptoms but about dismantling the systems that create and perpetuate trauma.

In summary, what makes Decolonizing Therapy stand out is its bold and unapologetic approach to redefining therapy as a tool for liberation rather than a means of social control. Mullan’s work is a breath of fresh air for those seeking a more radical, inclusive, and justice-oriented approach to mental health. It challenges therapists to rethink their roles and to actively engage in the ongoing process of decolonization, making it an indispensable resource for any mental health professional committed to equity and transformation.

Conclusion

Decolonizing Therapy by Jennifer Mullan is more than just a book; it is a manifesto for change within the field of mental health. It is an essential read for therapists who are committed to anti-oppressive practice and for anyone looking to understand the complex interplay between trauma, systemic oppression, and healing. Mullan’s work challenges readers to think critically about how therapy can either contribute to or dismantle the systems of power that shape our clients’ experiences. It pushes us to go beyond traditional models of care, encouraging us to envision a practice that is truly liberatory and justice-centered.

At our practice, we find ourselves deeply inspired by Mullan’s work and the courage it takes to confront the status quo in therapy. Her call for therapists to engage in ongoing self-reflection, radical accountability, and the active decolonization of their practices resonates with our commitment to providing accessible and inclusive therapy services. For us, as queer, trans, and neurodivergent practitioners, Decolonizing Therapy reinforces the importance of creating spaces where clients from all backgrounds can feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal in ways that honour their full humanity.

We recognize that the work of decolonizing therapy is an ongoing journey—one that requires humility, openness, and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Mullan’s book has given us new tools and frameworks to deepen our practice and better support our clients in their journeys of healing and empowerment. It has also reminded us of the importance of solidarity and community in this work. Healing is not just an individual process; it is a collective one that involves challenging the systems that cause harm and building new structures that support well-being and justice for all.

We encourage our readers, whether therapists themselves or individuals interested in therapeutic resources, to borrow Decolonizing Therapy from their local library or purchase it from independent bookshops like Cross and Crows Books in Vancouver, Little Sisters in Vancouver, Glad Day Bookshop in Toronto, or Venus Envy and Bookmark in Halifax. Supporting local and independent bookstores not only strengthens our communities but also aligns with the values of decolonization and resistance that Mullan promotes in her work. If you’re in British Columbia, you can use the “Find Your Local Library” tool provided by the BC government to locate a nearby library.

For those who resonate with the themes discussed in Decolonizing Therapy and are interested in exploring these ideas further within a therapeutic context, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consult with Audrey Wolfe, RCC, or to join the waitlist to work with me, Clayre Sessoms, RP, RCT, RCC, RCAT, CCC, ATR-BC. Our practice is dedicated to offering therapy that not only acknowledges but actively engages with the intersections of identity, power, and trauma. By working together, we can co-create a therapeutic space that honours your unique experiences and fosters both personal and collective liberation.

To work with a BIPOC therapist, I invite you to visit Healing In Colour or BIPoC Therapists of Canada.

Mullan’s work serves as a powerful reminder that therapy is not just about individual healing but about contributing to a broader movement for social justice. It challenges us all—therapists, clients, and community members alike—to think critically about our roles in the world and to use our positions, however big or small, to create meaningful change. As we continue to integrate the principles of decolonization and anti-oppression into our own practices, we are reminded of the power of community, the necessity of courage, and the transformative potential of truly radical, inclusive, and liberatory therapy.

In conclusion, Decolonizing Therapy is a must-read for anyone committed to the work of healing and justice. We are excited to continue this journey and to work alongside those who are ready to challenge the status quo and envision a new future for therapy—one that is rooted in liberation, equity, and care for all.

Reference

Mullan, J. (2021). Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice. Publisher.