Incorporating Critical Race Theory in Clinical Social Work

Presenter:  Nicole Vazquez, MSW, MPP | Moderator: Sharon Chun Wetterau, LCSW

3 CEUs

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a dynamic theoretical framework that surfaced in the late 1970s as a critical response to the colorblind justice pedagogy occurring in schools of law in the United States (Delgado & Stefancic, 2001 ). Through its core tenets, CRT examines how race and its intersections with other markers of identity are social constructions that lay the groundwork for the systemic and institutional oppression of marginalized groups (Aldana & Vazquez, 2019 ).

This practice-focused training will first provide the basics of Critical Race Theory through an overview of its tenets, which provide a deeper understanding and context regarding the systemic factors and institutions that impact the lives of our clients. Then, the training will focus on the praxis (theory in practice) of Critical Race Theory when working with clients.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand basic tenets of CRT that can be applied in clinical social work
2. Have engaged in critical self-reflection to understand the importance of one’s own positionality in clinical social work
3. Have engaged in practical examples that will aid in effectively working with clients from diverse backgrounds

About the Presenter: 

Nicole Vazquez, MSW, MPP

Nicole Vazquez is an expert in the practical application of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in academic and professional settings, with an emphasis on social work practice. A seasoned and skilled facilitator, Nicole has conducted numerous Critical-Race specific trainings within master of social work programs, with public and non-profit sector clients, and social work professionals, in addition to providing consultation in organizational development and support through a CRT frame. She is also a published author, most recently co-writing a book chapter: From Colorblind Racism to Critical Race Theory: The Road Toward Anti-Racist Social Work in the United States, published by Palgrave Macmillan in Anti-Racist Social Work: An International Perspective.

She has over 20 years’ experience both in the public and nonprofit sectors that includes work with elected officials, in government agencies and in grassroots organizations; her direct practice experience includes crisis counseling, in-home counseling, and case management. Nicole most recently served as the Director of Field Education and Chair Designee in California State University, Dominguez Hills’ Master of Social Work program. She holds dual Masters degrees in Social Welfare and Public Policy from UCLA.

Moderator: Sharon Chun Wetterau, LCSW

With over twenty-five years in social work, Sharon Chun Wetterau, LCSW, currently serves as the Assistant Field Director in CA State University, Dominguez Hills’ Master of Social Work program. She has expertise teaching and training in diagnostic assessment, community mental health, and Critical Race Theory. Clinically, Sharon has worked extensively with families in the child welfare system, in the community mental health system, and the system serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in CA and OH. Sharon actively integrates Critical Race Studies and mindfulness into her teaching, practice, and community service.