Caste and Counselling Psychology in India: Dalit Perspectives in Theory and Practice

Abstract

This paper is written from the perspective of a Dalit counselling psychologist and aims to provide an understanding of the exclusion of Dalit perspective in the theoretical as well as therapeutic domains of psychology as a discipline. It aims to elaborate on the impact of caste on the internalised-self of psychologist as well as their client and how it influences the whole process of learning as well as practice. It identifies the gaps in this field and suggests a revision and reformulation of its course and training programmes so that the closed doors can be opened for all. Further it addresses the various dyads of relationships in therapeutic alliance that can be possibly influenced by caste-based oppression in social life. The paper is highly concerned with the unaffordable and inaccessible nature of clinical settings and the persistent ignorance of the mental health concerns of Dalits. In this paper significant issues like the sense of disconnect, lack of dialogical spaces, and dehumanised processes have been explored in detail. Expressing the hope that there will be a possibility of revisiting and reformulation of theoretical orientations and philosophical frameworks, the paper calls for adequate attention towards the Dalit perspective in counselling psychology to envision egalitarianism in reality.

Keywords

• caste, psychology, therapeutic, training, mental health, dalit, counselling