Brown Bag Lunch Series | Social Justice in Psychotherapy
with Dan Summer, Ph.D
June 18, 2025 12:00 – 1:00 pm
On Zoom Only – 1 CE
Participation is FREE. There is a $17 ADMIN FEE for each CE.
The registration will close on June 18 at 10 am EST
This engaging lecture will explore the importance of cultivating and maintaining a social justice perspective in clinical practice. Given that access to psychotherapy remains a privilege for many, numerous communities continue to experience hesitancy or mistrust toward seeking mental health treatment. Contributing factors may include historical and ongoing experiences of racism, pathologizing attitudes, and a lack of attention to cultural and racial dynamics within the therapeutic space.
Dr. Summer will emphasize that social justice work extends beyond the therapy room and into the broader community, where collaboration and mutual understanding are vital. The presentation will also address best practices in client screening and ongoing assessment, including attention to trauma histories (of both counselor and client), intergenerational trauma, intersectional identities, and the development of cultural humility. Drawing on his clinical work with historically marginalized populations, Dr. Summer will share real-world examples and reflect on the power dynamics that shape the therapeutic relationship.
Course Objectives – Participants will be able to:
- Identify their social justice lens when working with clients.
- Develop a greater understanding of cultural humility.
- Recognize a minimum of one action they can take or have taken to address social justice (or social injustice).
Dr. Dan Summer Ph.D, LAC, ATR-BC, LPAT, LCAT, ATCS
Dr. Dan Summer, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Graduate Counseling Program in the School of Nursing and Health Services at Caldwell University. He holds a doctorate in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. Dr. Summer teaches both art therapy and general counseling courses. His expertise lies in ecological systems, specifically exploring how individuals connect with nature. This interest directly shapes his teaching, guiding students to develop self-compassion and a broader awareness of their connection to all living organisms, both human and non-human.
Dr. Summer has published on eco-art therapy, arts based research, and on social justice art programs.
He has also attended classes at ACAP while working toward achieving his counseling identity.
ACAP is an approved CE provider for:
Art Therapists
Counselors
Marriage and Family Counselors
NJ Psychoanalysts
Social Workers
NY Creative Arts Therapists
Psychologists
For CE Information- visit our website, https://acapnj.org/ce-information/
For questions or information, email Cassio Campello at events@acapnj.org
or call 973-629-1002
