Prejudice / Discrimination

Prejudice is defined as a negative prejudgment or assumption made about someone before or without having adequate knowledge to do so with guaranteed accuracy. It is most commonly used in reference to a preconceived judgment toward someone because of social class, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or other personal traits. Discrimination is a sociological term referring to treatment taken toward or against an individual of a certain group. In other words, discrimination is an actual behavior toward someone else. Prejudice and discrimination may lead to physical, sexual, emotional and/or mental abuse. People who are prejudged or discriminated against may develop physical or mental health problems as a result of the discriminatory actions of others.

Psychotherapy for Prejudice / Discrimination

Psychotherapy may be helpful in treating the negative mental effects of someone who has been discriminated against or who has been the victim of prejudice. Depression, sadness and anxiety are associated emotions that may be treated in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may also be beneficial for someone who has prejudged or discriminated against another. As part of therapy, a person may learn how to overcome stigmas or stereotypes that lead to prejudice and discrimination, how to ask forgiveness or make restitution and how to create new relationships with self and others.

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